Manufacturing excellence recognised

GEELONG Manufacturing Council (GMC) has recognised the region’s best manufacturers at its biennial Manufacturing Excellence Celebration and Awards Dinner.

More than 200 leaders from industry, community and government gathered at Avalon Airport’s International Terminal.

The event is the largest dedicated celebration of manufacturing in the region and was held alongside this year’s Australian International Airshow.

Awards were presented to manufacturers that have succeeded in sustainability, innovation and overall manufacturing excellence.

Godfrey Hirst, one of Geelong’s oldest manufacturing companies, won both the Sustainability Excellence and overall Manufacturing Excellence awards.

Local not-for-profit Gforce received the Community Award for its work supporting community apprenticeships and employment in manufacturing. while Austeng won the Innovation Excellence Award.

GMC chief executive officer Jennifer Conley said the celebration and awards were a fantastic way to recognise the contribution our manufacturers make to the community.

“Geelong has always been and continues to be a manufacturing city. It’s incredible to see everyone come together to show their support for our manufacturers.

“It’s a challenge to make things in Australia so seeing local manufacturers continuing to grow and succeed is testament to their hard work, innovation and resilience.

“A huge congratulations to our award winners Godfrey Hirst, Austeng and Gforce, as well all our finalists including Farm Foods, Modularity by Rendine and SNF, on their amazing work.”

City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj presented the Community Award to Gforce, and congratulated Geelong Manufacturing Council for its work promoting local manufacturers.

“These awards shone a spotlight on some of the brilliant, clever and creative technological advancements and innovation happening right here in Geelong,” he said.

“The City of Greater Geelong is proud to support these awards, recognising the crucial role manufacturing plays in our city’s economic success.”

Ms Conley said the success of manufacturing – because of its place-based nature – depended entirely on strong bonds and authentic relationships with many communities.

Attendees also heard from defence leaders about the opportunities for local manufacturers to bolster Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability through defence and aerospace.

The dinner also recognised longstanding GMC members Barwon Water (more than 20 years); and AKD, Farm Foods and SNF Water Science (more than 10 years).