In its 20th year of championing the industry’s innovation, resilience, and growth, the Hunter Manufacturing Awards has introduced a Hall of Fame, naming Joss De Iuliis as its first inductee, while also celebrating industry leaders such as Morgan Engineering, Omnia Wheel, and Allegro Energy.

The HMA recognised Joss for his contributions to the Hunter region’s manufacturing sector. His name is synonymous with innovation, leadership, and the spirit of collaboration that drives local industry forward.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Joss has played a pivotal role in not only shaping the manufacturing landscape of the region but also in promoting local businesses on a national stage.

HMA Chair Jacqui Daley says the newly established hall of fame honours individuals and companies that have made a significant and lasting impact on the region’s manufacturing industry.

“We created this category to recognise those who have not only contributed to the growth and success of the industry but who have also lifted the people, organisations, suppliers, and customers around them,” Jacqui said.

“The hall of fame celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, mentorship, and a vision for a stronger manufacturing future for the region.”

His initiative was instrumental in establishing the HMA. In September 2004, he reached out to fellow manufacturing leader Bob Cowan after learning of an association on the Central Coast that was profiling and promoting manufacturers in their region. Joss suggested something similar could be done for the Hunter’s manufacturers.

This initial conversation sparked the creation of HMA, and soon after, a group of like-minded manufacturers agreed on the need to recognise and promote the achievements of the region’s industries.

His success across multiple businesses including Waratah Engineering, Hunter Screens, Field Maintenance Services, and Custom Fluidpower is evidence of his entrepreneurial acumen. His foresight and business strategies nurtured the growth of these companies into strong local and national entities.

He encouraged BHP to outsource locally, creating a shift in mindset that prioritised regional businesses. He also broke down the long-standing belief that only original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) could refurbish mining equipment, which then enabled local companies to take on these projects.

In 1987, he and wife Anna purchased a property on Lovedale Road and planted their first vines in the early 1990s. De Iuliis is now an established name in another iconic Hunter Valley sector – wine.

HMA 2024 continue to celebrate the excellence of the region’s manufacturers. This year’s winners are:

Excellence in Product Design Award: SafeGauge, for the SafeTest Tachometer and MultiTool Pro. These cutting-edge tools enhance safety in heavy machinery maintenance.

Collaboration Partnership Award: The Melt, Allegro Energy and Muswellbrook Shire Council, for their groundbreaking work on a first-of-its-kind Microemulsion Redox Flow Battery. This partnership combined Allegro’s innovative energy storage technology with The Melt’s expertise in engineering and design.

Outstanding Start-Up Award: Allegro Energy, which is revolutionising energy storage.

Excellence in Building Workforce Capability for the Future Award: Morgan Engineering, for its innovative, in-house Apprenticeship Training Program.

Excellence in Manufacturing Capability Award: Omnia Wheel, for its strategic investment in automation and new machinery. Upgrading to advanced tools and automated systems reduced production costs by 54 per cent, increased output from 500,000 to 2 million wheels annually, and cut labour requirements by 95%.

Excellence in Export and Global Supply Chain Award: Whiteley, a leader in infection prevention, medical device reprocessing, and cleaning solutions that exports to more than 35 countries. Its Tomago-based facility produces world-class disinfectants and healthcare products under stringent quality standards.

Excellence in Innovation Award: SAPHI, for Shellshock AI, its advanced monitoring and control system designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and real-time decision-making across a range of industries including mining and transport.

Rising Star Award: Jamie Woods of TW Woods fabrication and engineering services, for his dedication and innovative leadership. He started as an apprentice and rose to general manager where he has introduced critical improvements.

Apprentice of the Year Award: Christie Hayward of Westrac, for showcasing her commitment and passion for boiler making. Relocating to pursue her apprenticeship, she has embraced hands-on learning and developed a strong skill set.

Excellence in Marketing Award: Out Of The Square Media and Guts Creative – joining forces to rebrand Ampcontrol and transform it into a leader of the global energy revolution.

Excellence in Sustainable Operations Award: Signarama Tuggerah for demonstrating to the world that sustainability can be a profitable part of business. It achieved remarkable sustainability milestones that culminated in a groundbreaking project for the Paris Olympic games. Signarama partnered with key industry leaders Spandex, Avery Denison, and HP to develop and implement eco-friendly signage for the Australian Olympic team.

Manufacturer of the Year (Less than 50 Employees) Award: Omnia, which has experienced remarkable export growth. Up to 94.2% of its sales in FY25 will come from international markets. Known for its innovative omni wheel technology, Omnia has invested heavily in research and development, automation, and sustainability.

Manufacturer of the Year (50 or More Employees) Award: Apollo Engineering, which has established itself as a leader in advanced manufacturing in regional NSW. It drives innovation with cutting-edge solutions such as its patented centrifugal filter and robotic welding systems. Its expansion into international markets includes $850,000 worth of exports to Indonesia.

Manufacturing Leader Award: Peter McKinnon of Omnia. He has operated Omnia Wheel for more than 18 years, from humble beginnings with three people to industry leader with 73 employees.

Hall of Fame Award: Joss De Iuliis.

IMAGE | AGL & Morgan Engineering at the Hunter Manufacturing Awards.