Established in 2001, the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame is one of the most prestigious business awards in Victoria that recognises excellence in manufacturing.
This year’s awards were announced at a black tie gala dinner hosted by the Minister of Industry during National Manufacturing Week.
“Victoria has a long and proud history in manufacturing and our highly skilled workforce provides a strong base for our economy,” said Minister for Industry, Lily D’Ambrosio.
“The Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame awards recognise the challenges ahead for the manufacturing sector by promoting innovation, growth and excellence in manufacturing.”
16 outstanding individuals and businesses of Victoria’s manufacturing industry were recognised for their innovation, creativity and achievements.
Carl Bizon, President of Cequent Asia Pacific, Europe and Africa (APEA) was recognised as a new member of the Hall of Fame’s Honour Roll.
Anna Reid, Victorian Operations Manager of Asahi Beverages, was named Young Manufacturer of the Year.
Australian Precision Technologies was named Small Manufacturer of the Year, GP Graders Medium Manufacturer of the Year, and Hickory Building Systems Large Manufacturer of the Year.
Six new award categories were introduced this year to reflect the Andrews Labor Government’s plan to boost sectors which have the potential for extraordinary growth.
The new sector categories and their winners are:
- Medical technology and pharmaceuticals – Fairmont Medical Products
- New energy technology – Millennium Electronics
- Food and fibre processing – LangTech International
- Transport, defence and construction technology – Alstom Transport Australia
- International education – RMIT Advanced Manufacturing Precinct
- Professional services – Dairy Innovation Australia Limited.
Modular architecture leader Archiblox, Carbon Revolution, quality dump body trays and components provider Duratray International, Keech Australia and Mobil Refining Australia (Altona) were inducted into the Hall of Fame.
“Mobil Altona Refinery is honoured to be recognised as a long-standing, top-quality Victorian manufacturer, supporting local jobs and the Victorian economy. Every one of the 350 people working at Altona Refinery is proud of the important contribution we make to Victoria by supplying around half of the state’s petroleum fuel needs as well as indirectly supporting thousands of local jobs,” said Altona Refinery Manager, Andrew Warrell.
“The Altona Refinery team is proud to produce fuel for Victoria in Victoria. We look forward to continuing to stand our ground against tough competition in the region and keep on making fuel in Altona. Altona Refinery has been fuelling Victoria for 60 years and we are focused on maintaining our vital role in the local fuel supply chain and with it, our significant contribution to the Victorian economy.”
