Local manufacturers recognised in 2019 Hall of Fame Awards
Published on 31 May 2019
Once again flexing its innovation skills and economic muscle, south east Melbourne accounted for 15 of the 21 outstanding Victoria manufacturers nominated for the Victorian Government’s 2019 Manufacturing Hall of Fame. Monash businesses recognised included Dulux Australia, Holden Special Vehicles, Leica Biosystems, Robert Bosch Australia and Safetech - all vying for these highly acclaimed awards.
At the awards ceremony held on 14 May, with the theme of Industrial Evolution, local company Dulux Australia was successful in securing the award for Manufacturer of the Year – Large Business. With its headquarters in Clayton, the DuluxGroup has origins dating back to 1918, initially focussed on decorative paint for Australian and New Zealand homes. Now leaders in an expansive range of paints and industrial coatings, the DuluxGroup employs around 4,000 people globally, and through its innovation and technology is also tackling a range of environmental issues previously inherent in the sector.
Clayton based Premaso, trading as Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) focusses on developing high-performance niche offerings to enhance the product ranges of international auto brands including General Motors and Dodge Ram. The company continues to grow its international linkages, almost doubling its export revenue over the last three years, and is deeply integrated within global value chains, with approximately 50 international suppliers. Acknowledging this success HSV were recognised as the 2019 “Leader in Global Supply Chain Partnerships” at the Awards.
Bosch who secured the 2018 Large Manufacturer of the Year was again successful, this time awarded Leader in Industry 4.0. Robert Bosch Australia are an active participant in the local business community, and are heavily engaged with the research and education sector. Offering guided tours through their Clayton headquarters, Bosch Australia are helping Australian manufacturers learn about their products and solutions, demonstrating Industry 4.0 in action.
Finally, Safetech, with manufacturing based in Gippsland but with its headquarters in Mount Waverley took out the Manufacturer of the Year – Medium Business award. Safetech designs and manufactures material handling and lifting equipment for a diverse range of industries including retail, manufacturing, distribution centres, self-storage, food & beverage, mining and construction. They practice lean manufacturing processes, with their success underpinned by a commitment to staff training and continued development. Safetech has collaborated with universities in Australia and Denmark and regularly supports interns from Australia and across the globe. Since 1988 they have been exporting products to international markets including the United Kingdom and South East Asia.
Leica Biosystems was again acknowledged as a nominee, after being recognised as winners in the High Growth Sector – Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals at the 2018 Awards. Based in Mount Waverley, Leica Biosystems is now part of a global group with over 1,500 patents (granted or filed) focussed on the production of the most recognised and successful diagnostic instruments used in the field of cancer diagnostics. Having grown from a relatively small design and development business, Leica is now a major player in anatomical pathology, exporting 92 per cent of all products designed and manufactured in the company’s Mount Waverley facility.
Along with company recognition, Leica’s Manufacturing Manager, Rochelle Avinu was personally acknowledged as the 2019 Woman Manufacturer of the Year. Rochelle’s 19 year tenure at Leica Biosystems, saw her start her career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, progressing through roles including Scientific Project Lead, and Global Support and Quality Assurance. Rochelle is a passionate advocate for diversity and respect in manufacturing.
With the south east region of Melbourne so dominant in the Awards, securing nine winners out of the 11 categories (including Honour Roll and Young Manufacturer of the Year), the region has once again showcased its strength and worthiness of the title ‘The manufacturing and economic powerhouse of Victoria’. It is also a significant contributor to the Australian economy.
Monash Council congratulates local nominees and winners, and Rochelle Avinu, the 2019 Woman Manufacturer of Year, for their commitment and ongoing contribution to our strong local economy.