Local manufacturing, engineering and specialist services organisation HunterNet, recently held their Annual Chairman’s Awards, recognising the achievements of their members.
Incorporated in 1992, HunterNet involves over 200 companies, active in national and international infrastructure and asset management, energy and resources, defence and advanced manufacturing supply chains.
On Tuesday, 18 November 2014 at the Fort Scratchley Multipurpose Centre, awards were presented to members who have excelled in networking, innovation, export and training, as well as the presentation of the Harvey Knox Award.
The Innovation Award, sponsored by the University of Newcastle, was awarded to Dexata, formally CE Solutions.
“We know how critical innovation is in competing in a fast changing global manufacturing and engineering industry and we also know how great our industry is at innovation,” Tony Cade, HunterNet Chairman, said.
“Dexata has not only the commitment to identify customer needs but also the ability to turn these concepts into successful products.”
The Networking Award, sponsored by Liveware, was presented to Scott Urquart of RIG Installations, in recognition of his energy, passion and networking, “which are such key ingredients in the on-going success of HunterNet and its members”.
PKF Lawler sponsored the HunterNet Export Award, which went to Wearx.
“Exporting has been a challenging and difficult business for Australia’s manufacturing industry for a number of years now, particularly given the high value of the Aussie dollar,” Tony said.
“Which has simply meant that our high prices have driven us out of traditional markets and made it hard to enter new ones. These qualities have been exemplified by Wearx.”
The Hunter TAFE sponsored Training Award went to Berendsen Fluid Power.
“We are all aware of the challenges our industry has been facing for more than a decade with particular shortfalls in skilled trade such as welding and electrical and engineers across all disciplines as well as skilled technicians in emerging technologies,” Tony continued.
“And this year the training award goes to a dedicated Member and his organisation who are equally passionate with regard to the challenge of establishing the necessary skill base, within Berendsen.”
Finally, the main award of the night, the Port Waratah Coal Services sponsored Harvey Knox Award, went to Ross Bolth of Maxwell Engineering.
The award is in memory of the contribution to HunterNet that Harvey Knox made and is is presented to a HunterNet member who has shown ongoing passion and commitment to the Co-operative and has helped shape the organisation.
