Victoria’s best and brightest manufacturers have been recognised at the 2017 Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards last night.
With a theme of Growing Advanced Manufacturing, the event celebrated creators and innovators from across the state. Among the evening’s winners:
- Sutton Tools in Thomastown – named Large Manufacturer of the Year
- Major Furnace Australia in Clayton South – named Medium Manufacturer of the Year
- Paarhammer in Ballan – named Small Manufacturer of the Year award.
Philip Leslie from pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) was announced this year’s Honouree.
With 26 years’ experience with the company in various leadership roles, Mr Leslie has used new technology to drive innovation and pioneer new techniques at GSK’s Boronia manufacturing plant.
The Young Manufacturer of the Year award was presented to Anne Koopmann from Bombardier Transportation.
Ms Koopmann was recognised as a valued part of the company’s leadership team and commended for her strong engagement and management skills.
A number of companies were also recognised with awards for excellence in some of Victoria’s key growth sectors, including:
- Impresa House – Defence, Transport and Construction Technologies
- Setec – New Energy Technologies
- IDT Australia Limited – Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals
- Procal Dairies – Food and Fibre
Victoria is the nation’s manufacturing state. The industry contributes around $26 billion to the Victorian economy each year and employs more than 270,000 people.
In 2016, employment in manufacturing grew by around 40,000 jobs.
For more information about this year’s awards, visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan
“Manufacturing in Victoria is alive and well, and we are proud to recognise the industry’s best and brightest.”
“These award winners are the benchmark of innovation in advanced manufacturing – and Victoria has cemented its place as the country’s leader in this field.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020