The manufacturing landscape in the Hunter region is evolving rapidly, driven by the innovative and determined leadership of women who are making strides in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
This transformation is exemplified by the achievements of Mika Koelma of Hey Zomi, Kari Armitage of Quarry Mining, and Rachel Jameson of Deeps Engineering, who are each playing crucial roles in redefining what it means to be a manufacturer in the region.
Innovation and growth in sustainable products
Sisters Mika Koelma and Zoe Fehlberg co-founded Hey Zomi, a company that has become a standout in the Australian manufacturing sector. Their primary product, Australia’s first reusable menstrual disc, was launched in January 2023.
Within ten months, the fledgling company received the Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) Excellence in Marketing award, marking a significant milestone in their journey. According to Koelma, the process of entering the HMA 2023 was transformative for the company.
“The extra time we put into our applications was worth it. The process was amazing because we had really only been in market for about eight months or less,” she said.
This reflection allowed the company to assess its achievements and strategise future growth. Over the past year, Hey Zomi has made multiple changes that have fueled significant expansion.
Continuing a family tradition with a modern twist
Kari Armitage, managing director of Quarry Mining, has been leading her family’s company for 18 years. The company, which has been providing bespoke products and services to the construction and mining industry for three decades, thrives on its ability to create customized solutions that meet the specific needs of its clients.
Armitage credits her background in civil engineering and her experience at WorleyParsons for bringing a consultant-style approach to the manufacturing business.
“Quarry Mining has learnt to listen to the customer, consult them, find out what their problem is, and then manufacture something to provide a solution,” she explained.
This customer-focused approach has given Quarry Mining a competitive edge in the market.
Despite the male-dominated nature of the industry, Armitage doesn’t see her gender as a hindrance.
She remarked, “I hadn’t even realised I was the only girl in the room. It hadn’t occurred to me because I’m so used to it,” she said, highlighting the growing normalization of women in leadership roles within the sector.
Acquiring new businesses to secure the future
Rachel Jameson has been part of Deeps Engineering for seven years, a company her father founded. Specialising in custom injection moulding, Deeps Engineering has recently acquired two other businesses to establish a proprietary product line, ensuring its longevity in an increasingly competitive market.
Reflecting on the changes she’s witnessed, Jameson noted, “I remember as a kid it was very much a male-dominated industry, but then as I got older, I saw more women coming through working in the factory.”
This shift is reflected in the workforce at Deeps, where women now make up half of the employees, performing roles traditionally seen as male-dominated.
Jameson also led the company’s entry into the HMA awards, marking the first time in its 33-year history that Deeps Engineering had entered such a competition.
The process of preparing for the awards proved to be eye-opening. “The questions HMA asks really bring to light aspects of your business you might not have considered,” she said, emphasising the value of external recognition and reflection in driving business improvement.
A new era of inclusivity in manufacturing
These three women exemplify the new wave of female leadership in manufacturing in the Hunter region. Their success stories are not just about breaking gender barriers but about redefining what it means to be a leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Mika Koelma’s experience at Hey Zomi is a testament to the growing recognition and normalization of female-led companies. “Manufacturing is an industry accessible to all. We’re all educated and have these opportunities, and that’s worth celebrating more than the fact that it’s a women-led thing,” she stated.
Hunter Manufacturing Awards 2024: Call for participation
The HMA continues to support and promote the region’s manufacturers by offering a platform for recognition and networking.
With 14 categories available, the 2024 awards encourage all manufacturers in the Upper Hunter, Lower Hunter, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens, and Mid-North Coast regions to participate.
Entries are free, and the registration and nomination period closes on 30 August 2024.
For more information, manufacturers are encouraged to visit www.hma.org.au or contact the HMA directly.
