Australian Rollforming Manufacturers, Futuris Automotive (Australasia) and Bombardier Transportation Australasia are among the 10 Victorian manufacturers recognised by the State Government for showcasing excellence in their field.
The 2011 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame, now in its 10th year, is a Victoria-specific awards program designed to make an example of forward-thinking manufacturers in the region.
The following companies were inducted at the latest awards ceremony in Melbourne on 26 May:
• AW Bell Pty Ltd
• Australian Rollforming Manufacturers
• Backwell IXL
• Bombardier Transportation Australasia
• Ego Pharmaceuticals
• Futuris Automotive (Australasia)
• Hazeldene’s
• Pantalica Cheese Pty Ltd
• Qenos Pty Ltd
• Wilson Transformer
The Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame also recognises individuals, honouring the following members if the industry:
Jim Watkins Award presented by the Association for Manufacturing Excellence
Gary Kerr, Leverage Lean
Enabling Technology Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Agnel D’Souza, A.W. Bell Pty Ltd
Enabling Technology Company of the Year
MiniFAB Australia
Young Manufacturer of the Year
Jason Oliver, Black Widow Enterprises
Honour Roll Member
Gerry Ryan, OAM, Jayco Group of Companies
Three of the above gongs went to Dandenong-based companies/individuals, showing the region’s strength in manufacturing.
New Honour Roll Member, Gerry Ryan from automotive company Jayco, was recognised for leading his company from a small caravan builder in 1976 to a “manufacturing juggernaut” today, according to the Hall of Fame website.
“[Jayco is now] the largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles in the Southern Hemisphere and the principle manufacturer of tourist park cabins in Australasia. The company currently produces 10,000 units each year including camper trailers, caravans, pop-top caravans, expandable caravans, toy haulers, motor homes, campervans and tourist park cabins,” the site said.
Image of Jayco’s Gerry Ryan from Caravanningnews.com