TIME is running out for manufacturers across the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast to submit their nominations for the Hunter Manufacturing Awards 2025 (HMA 2025), with entries closing in just a few weeks.
Now in its 21st year, the Hunter Manufacturing Awards shine a spotlight on the region’s manufacturing excellence, recognising businesses of all sizes that are leading through innovation, resilience, and community contribution.
Hunter Manufacturing Awards Chair Jacqui Daley said there are incredible manufacturers doing outstanding work across our region, but many don’t stop to celebrate their achievements.
“This is their chance to showcase what sets them apart, gain recognition, and take pride in what they’ve built,” she said. “With over a dozen award categories, manufacturers at every stage of their journey can find a category that fits.
“Whether it’s pioneering sustainability, launching a new product, mentoring apprentices, or driving global exports, HMA wants to hear from you.”
Past winners have used the platform to spotlight breakthrough achievements, including the 2024 Collaboration Partnership Award winners – The Melt, Allegro Energy, and Muswellbrook Shire Council – who joined forces to develop a first-of-its-kind Microemulsion Redox Flow Battery, a breakthrough in safe, scalable energy storage.
“The award recognised both our battery technology and the power of regional collaboration,” said John Klinkenberg, Principal Industrial Designer at The Melt.
“While the Upper Hunter has long been a heartland of traditional energy generation, this project shows how the region is also embracing the future of clean energy manufacturing.
“The Melt’s Modern Manufacturing Centre in Muswellbrook is proof that regional innovation is real, and it’s happening now.” Allegro Energy was named Outstanding Start-Up in 2024 for its pioneering work in sustainable, water-based energy storage solutions.
“Winning the award gave us a huge credibility boost within the region and with our national and international partners,” said Dr Thomas Nann, CEO of Allegro Energy.
“We’re proud to be part of a regional innovation ecosystem that’s solving global challenges in energy and sustainability from right here in the Hunter.
“The area’s rich industrial heritage, skilled workforce, and supportive infrastructure provides an ideal environment for innovation.”
Businesses from the Hunter, Central Coast, and Mid North Coast are eligible.
Entry is free.
Nominations close Wednesday 20 August 2025.
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
