THERE is no doubt 2009 has been a tough year for Australian manufacturing, however the industry has remained resilient, with local companies continuing to successfully compete for major contracts on the global manufacturing stage.
In May this year, BlueScope Steel was announced as the major supplier to Australia’s Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) program.
Said to be the largest defence project in Australia’s history, the $8bn program is set to deliver three vessels constructed utilising some of the world’s most sophisticated defence systems and components.
BlueScope will produce around 3,000t of steel per ship, the first of which (HMAS Hobart) to be commissioned in 2014.
Steve Gregson, National Sales Manager – Automotive and Manufacturing, BlueScope Steel, said winning this tender is an example of the way Australian companies can work together to achieve results.
“On a global scale, we may not pervade the market like some competitors might, but we are local, we do work with other local suppliers, and we deliver solutions that are innovative and cost competitive.
“Winning this contract gives us confidence not only in the quality of our products but also in the fact we can work together with local stakeholders to deliver key results for industry,” Gregson said.
“As Australia’s largest steel manufacturer, we continue to support Australian manufacturers.
“We want to be there for Australian manufacturing and in this case, the Australian Defence Force.”
BlueScope Steel, a long time supporter and overall sponsor of the Endeavour Awards and the Australian Steel Innovation Award, is proud to be the overall sponsor of the 2010 Endeavours.
“There is no doubt we see the Endeavour Awards as a key way of showing our support for Australian manufacturing,” Gregson explained.
“We see it as a great opportunity to have Australia’s leading manufacturers come together, showcase their achievements and collaborate on key industry initiatives and solutions,” he said.
“It is also great to see the Australian government is so supportive of the program and it gives us comfort to have a government that supports local manufacturing,” Gregson told Manufacturers’ Monthly.
2010 Awards program
Manufacturers’ Monthly’s Endeavour Awards, Australia’s premier national awards program for manufacturing excellence, is now open for nominations.
Now in its seventh year, the Endeavour Awards is the only national awards program specifically for Australia’s manufacturing industry.
Free to enter, the Endeavours offer a unique program for manufacturers to demonstrate and showcase their business successes and enhance the company’s reputation both locally and overseas, be it as a finalist or taking out an actual award.
The Endeavour Awards celebrate and recognise the achievements of industry leaders in their drive to achieve ‘best practice’ and excellence in manufacturing.
The 2010 Endeavours include nine key categories:
Technology Application of the Year Award;
Australian Consumer/Trade Product of the Year Award;
Australian Industrial Product of the Year Award;
Exporter of the Year Award;
Global Integration Award;
The Australian Steel Innovation Award;
Environmental Solution of the Year Award;
Safety Scheme of the Year Award; and
Young Manufacturer of the Year Award.
There will be winner and highly commended awards for each category, plus an overall Manufacturer of the Year award.
Remember entry is free, and the deadline for entries is COB January 29, 2010.
For an application form visit www.manmonthly.com.au/Awards.aspx or for more information call Alan Johnson on 02 9422 2480 or Katherine Crichton on 02 9422 2964.