Outstanding businesses and individuals in the manufacturing industry are encouraged to nominate for the 2019 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards.

State Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula has opened nominations for the awards, which will highlight the importance and strength of the local industry and the bright future of manufacturing in Victoria. The theme of this year’s awards is ‘Industrial Evolution’, recognising individuals and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation.

This year the company award categories include small, medium and large business Manufacturer of the Year awards, as well as Leader in Industry 4.0 and Leader in Workforce Skills Development. There are also two new categories: ‘Leader in Innovative Product Development and Commercialisation’; and ‘Leader in Global Supply Chain Partnerships’. A business will also be inducted to the prestigious Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame.

Individuals will be recognised with awards including the Honour Roll, Young Manufacturer of the Year, and Woman Manufacturer of the Year.

Victoria’s manufacturing industry contributes over $30bn to the Victorian economy, employing more than 279,000 people.

“Victoria’s manufacturing sector is going from strength to strength, and we’re proud to be backing the industry and celebrating our brightest manufacturing talent,” said Martin Pakula, Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade. “This year’s event will see two brand new awards presented – recognising businesses that have been successful in turning a great idea into a real product, as well as those that have shared their products with the world through partnerships and global supply chains.”

Nominations for the awards close on Monday 11 March and winner will be announced at the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Gala Dinner on 14 May. Manufacturers can nominate for the awards by visiting the Business Victoria website:

www.business.vic.gov.au/halloffame