South Australia’s manufacturing capability took centre stage in Adelaide as Weld Australia announced the winners of its 2025 South Australia Welding Excellence Awards, celebrating achievements across fabrication, welding and training.
In a news release, Weld Australia said the annual event highlights the people and projects shaping the future of advanced manufacturing.
CEO Geoff Crittenden said this year’s winners reflect the strength of South Australia’s growing industrial base.
“The individuals and companies recognised this year are setting new benchmarks for quality, safety and training, and proving that world-class fabrication happens right here at home,” Crittenden said.
He added that the awards acknowledge the broader importance of the sector. “These Awards celebrate more than technical excellence. They celebrate the people shaping the future of Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability.”
Lai Group was named Company of the Year – Fabrication for its leadership in structural steel manufacturing, driven by automation, robotics and Industry 4.0 processes.
MTE received the Project of the Year Award for delivering a 90-metre Acid Plant Tail Gas Stack, recognised for its precision engineering, corrosion-resistant design and sustainability measures.
Diverseco and Welding Equipment Sales & Service were joint winners of the Company of the Year – Supplier Award. Weld Australia said both organisations continue to support manufacturers through automation, advanced welding technologies and workforce development.
In training excellence, Adelaide Training and Employment Centre (ATEC) was recognised for its long-standing contribution to skills development, training more than 2,000 students annually across key trade disciplines.
Individual honours included awards for leadership, technical skill and commitment to industry advancement. Century Engineering’s Iman Farshadi was named Welding Professional of the Year – Welding Coordinator, while BAE Systems’ Nick Argent won in the Welding Inspector category.
Craig Pearson of Lai Group received the Welding Supervisor Award for his work in structural steel fabrication and continuous improvement.
The awards also highlighted emerging talent. Century Engineering’s Enrico Mazzacano was named Young Trades Person of the Year, and ASC’s Josh Watson received Trades Person of the Year for his contributions to submarine fabrication and workforce mentoring.
Educator Chris Henderson from Outsource Institute was recognised for his impact on welding training, while Andrew Sherman, a Year 12 school-based apprentice with BAE Systems, was named VET in Schools Student of the Year.
Dr Paul Colegrove of Colbotic Automation received the Ken Travena Award for his work in welding automation and additive manufacturing.
CEO’s Awards were presented to Colbotic Automation for advancing collaborative welding technologies, and to Ken Barton for his industry leadership and commitment to training and standards.
Weld Australia said the event brought together representatives from industry, government and education to acknowledge the role of South Australian welding and fabrication in strengthening national manufacturing capability.
For more information, visit: www.weldaustralia.com.au.
