GBEA winner – Advanced Manufacturing & Industry Award – Care Essentials Pty Ltd

For almost 30 years, North Geelong-based medical device manufacturer Care Essentials has been guided by its mission to improve patient outcomes by delivering the world’s best medical devices.

This mission has seen the family-run operation develop a range of Australian-made market-leading medical products, compete on the international stage against some of the world’s biggest names in healthcare consumables, and gain a reputation as one of regional Victoria’s most celebrated exporters.

Used by about 60 per cent of Australian hospitals and controlling roughly 75 per cent of the market share, Care Essentials’ flagship product is its range of Cocoon blankets and patient-warming machines, used during surgery to prevent hypothermia, accelerate recovery and aid in infection control.

The company now exports its products – which also include medical respirators, fall detection medical alarms, sterilisation wraps, and sustainable infectious waste disposal systems – to more than 75 countries, with the US, India and Europe emerging as key markets.

In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and at the request of hospitals and state and federal departments, Care Essentials also began manufacturing an extensive range of medical-grade personal protection equipment products, surgical face masks and N95 respirators.

Innovatively designed to enhance both the protection and comfort of these personal protection products, Care Essentials’ masks have since become some of the most in-demand across the globe.

It is this broad impact, commitment to quality and growing global reach, that most impressed this year’s Geelong Business Excellence Awards judging panel and secured Care Essentials the Advanced Manufacturing & Industry Award, sponsored by Southern Star Windows & Doors.

The award recognises businesses operating in the manufacturing, engineering, building and trade industries.

The manufacturer was also shortlisted for the Business of the Year award, along with the Medium to Large Business award.

Judge Rob Hunter congratulated Care Essentials on its success, which marks the company’s second consecutive win in the advanced manufacturing award category.

“This remarkable achievement reflects their continued leadership and innovation in the industry,” Mr Hunter said.

“Their exceptional growth and success in exporting to over 75 countries demonstrate not only their technical excellence but also their significant impact on the global stage.

“The judges were particularly impressed by their ability to sustain such high standards while expanding their international reach.

“Well done on this outstanding accomplishment, and we look forward to seeing how Care Essentials continues to shape the future of advanced manufacturing in the medical industry.”

For more information, head to careessentials.com.au

Sponsored by Southern Star Windows & Doors.

Southern Star Windows & Doors is the sponsor of the 2024 Advanced Manufacturing & Industry Award.

The business is a privately-owned entity headquartered in Geelong and specialises in the design, production and distribution of an exclusive range of high-quality timber and aluminium window and door systems.

Founded in 2002, Southern Star Windows & Doors has quickly become Australia’s fastest growing window and door manufacturer.

The business encompasses the brands Southern Star Aluminium Windows and Doors, Canterbury Timber Windows and Doors and Southern Star Glass.

Although headquartered in Geelong, Southern Star Windows & Doors has manufacturing facilities located in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Cooranbong and Port Macquarie, with an additional 16 businesses Australia-wide manufacturing its product under licence.

Southern Star Windows & Doors also sponsors a number of local organisations and is committed to giving back to the communities in which it operates.

Southern Star Windows & Doors