The Hunter region's manufacturing sector demonstrated its remarkable strength and global ambition at the 2025 Hunter Manufacturing Awards, where a record number of entries highlighted an industry undergoing significant transformation.
Record-Breaking Participation and Major Winners
Industry leaders gathered at the Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre on Thursday, October 30 for the prestigious awards gala, now in its 21st year. The event witnessed an unprecedented 50 per cent increase in entries compared to the previous year, underscoring the sector's growing vitality across the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast and New England regions.
In the major categories, Brain Industries claimed the coveted Manufacturer of the Year award for businesses with under 50 employees. The company was recognised for its exceptional export performance, innovative approaches and strong workforce engagement.
Agrana Fruit Australia secured the Manufacturer of the Year title for companies with 50 or more employees, praised for maintaining high-quality production standards while driving innovation and expanding their export markets.
Sector Strength and Global Reach
HMA Chair Jacqui Daley emphasised that the evening celebrated the resilience and innovative spirit of a sector crucial to Australia's economic future. "Manufacturing in the Hunter is more diverse, more advanced and more connected to the world than ever before," Ms Daley stated. "Our 2025 Manufacturer of the Year winners, Brain Industries and Agrana Fruit Australia, both have export at the heart of their success. They're taking the Hunter to the world and proving that regional manufacturers can compete, and succeed, on the international stage."
The awards highlighted numerous local success stories, including Elecbrakes revolutionising towing technology with Australian-made automation, Supacell transforming everyday recyclables into sustainable insulation, Tomago Aluminium undergoing digital transformation, and Design Anthology advancing medical technology design.
Honouring Legacy and Future Vision
In a special recognition of enduring contribution, Varley Group was inducted into the Hall of Fame. The company was honoured for nearly 140 years of continuous innovation across multiple sectors including defence, emergency services, marine, health and cyber technologies.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley congratulated all winners and finalists, acknowledging their role in both preserving the region's proud industrial legacy and driving future growth. "Tonight's celebration is the best of the Hunter on display, our ingenuity, our craftsmanship and our courage to reimagine what's possible," Minister Catley said.
The 2025 awards theme, "Forging Our Future," perfectly captured the sector's journey from traditional manufacturing roots toward advanced, sustainable and inclusive production methods that will power Australia's next great advances in clean energy, defence capability, health and technology.
Daley concluded with a powerful statement about manufacturing's evolving role: "Manufacturing isn't sitting quietly behind the scenes anymore. It's the backbone of our economy, the engine of regional jobs, and the platform that will power Australia's next great leaps."
