The Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) have officially launched their 2025 program, marking a refreshed chapter in their mission to recognise excellence in regional manufacturing across the Hunter, Central Coast, New England, and Mid-North Coast.
Now in its 21st year, the Hunter Manufacturing Awards will continue to recognise innovation, inclusion, and global competitiveness, while offering winners a new opportunity for national recognition through a partnership with Industry Update’s Australian Manufacturing Awards, which will see all 2024 HMA winners automatically become national finalists in the program’s inaugural edition.
“We’re proud to be raising the profile of regional manufacturers on a national stage,” said HMA Chair Jacqui Daley.
“This partnership is a game-changer, it’s about putting the Hunter on the map as a manufacturing powerhouse and giving our winners the recognition they deserve across the country.”
The 2025 program introduces two new award categories in response to emerging industry trends: the Digital Transformation Award, recognising outstanding use of digital technology to improve efficiency and innovation; and the Diversity in Manufacturing Award, celebrating efforts to create inclusive and equitable workplaces.
“We’re recognising the real forces shaping the future of manufacturing—digital innovation, diverse talent, sustainable operations, and global thinking,” Daley said.
“The 2025 awards are about more than trophies, they’re about celebrating the people and ideas that will lead our industries forward.”
To encourage broader participation, HMA has streamlined its entry process and integrated new technology to simplify submissions, responding to feedback from previous participants.
The 2025 awards were officially launched on 7 May at an event hosted by last year’s winners Omnia and Apollo Engineering. Ben Bronkhorst, Business Development Manager at Apollo Engineering, said their growth has come from strategically defying national industry downturns.
“We’ve actively bucked the downturn in manufacturing by diversifying into competitive contract manufacturing,” Bronkhorst said.
“Investments in technologies like advanced fibre lasers with sheet automation began as internal improvements for our parts washers but evolved into a platform for the growth of our contract manufacturing service offering. At the same time, we’ve developed innovations like the Biofeed food waste processor, putting Apollo at the forefront of practical sustainability.”
Liam Manning, chief commercial officer of SAPHI, winner of the 2024 HMA Innovation Award, noted strong demand for AI-powered solutions.
“As the industry faces increasing pressures, businesses are investing in technologies like ours to do more for less,” he said, highlighting the growing importance of workplace safety and operational efficiency in manufacturing.
Also returning in 2025 is the Hall of Fame, with nominations open for individuals and organisations that have made long-term contributions to the regional manufacturing sector.
The 2025 Hunter Manufacturing Awards will culminate in a gala event on Thursday, 30 October 2025, bringing together leaders and innovators to honour the region’s manufacturing excellence.
Further details on entries, award categories, and eligibility are available at www.hma.org.au.
