The Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) has announced the finalists for its 2025 program, celebrating the innovation, resilience, and diversity of the manufacturing sector across the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, and surrounding regions.
This year saw a record number of entries, with participation from first-time entrants, emerging start-ups, and long-established industry leaders, as revealed in a news release.
HMA said the strong response to new award categories reflected the sector’s ability to diversify and 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.”
Daley said the finalists illustrate the wide scope of the region’s manufacturing capability, ranging from food and beverage producers and heavy engineering firms to renewable energy innovators, recyclers, mining suppliers, and advanced technology developers.
“Manufacturing remains one of the Hunter’s most significant economic strengths,” she said. “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 to see the level of innovation and collaboration across sectors, with businesses of all sizes contributing to the region’s reputation for quality and ingenuity.”
Among this year’s finalists are Tomago Aluminium, Safe Gauge, Brain Industries (International), IqRenew, Banlaw, Morgan Engineering, Trendpac, and Elecbrakes. Individual categories also highlight emerging talent, including apprentices, rising stars, and manufacturing leaders.
HMA said the awards continue to promote the development of future industry leaders through initiatives such as the Start-up Award, which includes a 12-month HunterNet membership to support business growth, and the Rising Star Award, which offers a guest seat on the HMA Board to build leadership experience.
Two companies will be named Manufacturer of the Year, recognising businesses with fewer than and more than 50 employees.
Each will receive a $5,000 international travel voucher, supported by HMA and travel partner Helloworld Business Travel. In addition, the awards will honour the legacy of regional pioneers through an induction into the HMA Hall of Fame.
Finalists will be recognised and winners announced at the 2025 Hunter Manufacturing Awards Gala, to be held on Thursday, 30 October 2025, at the Newcastle Exhibition & Convention Centre (NEX).
