THE finalists of the Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) have been announced for 2025, recognising the breadth and capability of the manufacturing sector across the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast and surrounding regions.
A record number of entries were received this year, reflecting a strong mix of first-time entrants, emerging start-ups and established industry leaders.
Organisers say the response to new award categories demonstrated the sector’s continuing diversification and its capacity to adapt to new technologies and markets.
“The 2025 finalists demonstrate the depth of manufacturing talent in our region,” said HMA Chair Jacqui Daley.
“They represent businesses solving complex challenges, developing new products and contributing to economic growth and secure employment across regional New South Wales.”
Ms Daley said the list of finalists illustrates the broad scope of the region’s manufacturing capability, from food and beverage producers and heavy engineering firms to renewable energy innovators, mining suppliers, recyclers and advanced technology developers.
“Manufacturing remains one of the Hunter’s most significant economic strengths.
“With $26 billion in output each year, the sector is one of the largest contributors to the regional economy second only to mining. It’s encouraging is the level of innovation and collaboration we’re seeing across sectors, with businesses of all sizes contributing to the region’s reputation for quality and ingenuity,” she said.
The awards also include initiatives to encourage the next generation of leaders.
The Start-up Award winner will receive a 12-month HunterNet membership to support their business growth, while the Rising Star will join the HMA Board as a guest member to develop their leadership experience.
Two winners of Manufacturer of the Year, for businesses with fewer than and more than 50 employees, will each receive a $5,000 international travel voucher, supported by HMA and travel partner Helloworld Business Travel.
HMA finalist companies:
Agrana Fruit Australia, Allegro Energy, Apollo Engineering, Austral Herbs, Australian Electric Vehicle Specialists, Banlaw, Brain Industries (International), Classic Blinds and Shutters, Cobalt CNC, Design Anthology, Downer, Elecbrakes, Elite Mining Equipment, Four Seasons Industries, Gimbal Training, Grolia, Iqrenew, Jaegersoft, Leading Edge Innovations, Lock Block, Modulate Group, Morgan Engineering, On Point Laser, Out Of The Square Media, Omnia Wheel, Safe Gauge, Saphi, Sheldon Manufacturing, Supacell, Tefol, The Melt, Tomago Aluminium, Trendpac, Uberflow, Walters Fencing.
HMA finalist individuals:
Apprentice of the Year: Dylan Peene – Molycop, Bradley Mitchell – Molycop, Nicole Clifton – Rexnord Australia
Rising Star: Jye Hollier – Australian Electric Vehicle Specialists, Tim Maslen – Bekaert, Brandon Lane – Elecbrakes, Braydan Linstrom – Varley Group, Bryony Munro – Whiteley.
Manufacturing Leader: Tony Lobb – Brain Industries (International), Abbie Williams – Varley Group.
Finalists will be recognised and winners announced at the Hunter Manufacturing Awards Gala on Thursday 30 October at the Newcastle Exhibition & Convention Centre (NEX).
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