The Endeavour Awards 2024 served as a remarkable gathering of industry leaders, uniting them to honor the significant contributions and remarkable achievements within the realm of Australian manufacturing. Held in the vibrant city of Melbourne and sponsored by the renowned BDO, this event showcased the latest triumphs within the sector, shedding light on the dynamic personalities and innovative enterprises that have been at the forefront of driving innovation and progress.

Sponsors: The Backbone of Australian Manufacturing Awards

The success of the evening would not have been conceivable without the unwavering support of the event's sponsors: Weld Australia, Bestech Australia, SEW-EURODRIVE, and BlueRock. Their sponsorship laid a solid foundation, making it possible to establish Australia's premier manufacturing awards program. These sponsors play a crucial role in recognizing and celebrating the outstanding efforts of individuals and organizations within the manufacturing industry.

Manufacturer of the Year: MEQ - A Data Solutions Pioneer

The evening reached its zenith with the announcement of the highly coveted Manufacturer of the Year award, which was clinched by MEQ, a data solutions developer. MEQ not only claimed this prestigious award but also took home the Technology Application award for its MEQ Live solution. This innovative solution provides real-time data for feedlots and producers, revolutionizing the meat industry. "We were a start-up that gave birth to a couple of PhD programs," said Jordan Yeomans, the chief technical officer of MEQ. "Since then, we have grown our team from one person to 35 people. Having two of my colleagues here, Thomas and Ray, makes us extremely proud to be part of this event today." MEQ LIVE is an agriculture-focused technology that enables breeders, farmers, feedlot operators, and sale yards to measure the meat quality and yield of a live animal while reducing carbon emissions within the industry. The company's continuous efforts to provide relevant data solutions have firmly secured its position as the Manufacturer of the Year.

Leader of the Year: Geoff Crittenden - Welding Industry Pioneer

The Leader of the Year award was presented to Geoff Crittenden, the CEO of Weld Australia. His pioneering work and unwavering dedication to advancing the welding industry in Australia have been widely recognized. Weld Australia focuses on improving industry standards, enhancing the skill levels of workers, and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of welding practices in various sectors. The organization also works towards aligning Australian welding practices with international standards and technological advancements. Crittenden began his career as an engineer in the British Army, serving for over 15 years. He later held senior leadership roles at Transfield Worley, Cynergy Group, and the Risk Management Institute before becoming the CEO of Weld in 2014. Throughout his career, he has led multidisciplinary teams in complex, high-tech environments and successfully developed and executed long-term business strategies that have driven significant growth. "When I was 19, I joined the Royal Military Academy," said Crittenden. "Over the past 50 years, I have learned one crucial lesson: it's not about you; it's about the people who work with you. I want to take this opportunity to thank my team at Weld Australia. They are exceptional, and without them, leadership means nothing."

Most Innovative Manufacturing Company: AMIGA Engineering

AMIGA Engineering was named the Most Innovative Manufacturing Company of 2024. This award acknowledges its commitment to driving change and advancing technology within the sector. AMIGA Engineering has built a reputation as a dynamic and innovative advanced manufacturing company, specializing in areas such as 3D scanning, industrial maintenance services, and emergency engineering work. "It has been amazing to be recognized for innovation over the past few years," said Michael Bourchier, the managing director of the company. "This achievement is truly a result of the incredible efforts of our team, who consistently bring creativity and innovative thinking to our business. They continue to come up with remarkable ideas that propel us forward." AMIGA has made significant investments in additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, enabling it to create complex geometries and intricate designs with precision.

Outstanding Start-Up: Lindo Tube - Lighting the Way for the Future

One of the evening's most notable achievements went to Lindo Tube, a manufacturer of germicidal lighting solutions. The company's success exemplifies the crucial role of start-ups in shaping the future direction of the industry. Lindo Tube is a world-first lighting solution designed to reduce incidences of ventilator-associated pneumonia. "If my wife was here, not taking care of our wonderful children, I couldn't express my gratitude enough," said Robert Gangi, the founder and director of Lindo Tube. "She has been an amazing source of support. Thank you everyone. I am truly excited."

Project of the Year: CST Composites - Global Recognition for Australian Manufacturing

One of the evening's most high-profile achievements came when CST Composites won the prestigious Project of the Year award. The company's Towpreg masts were used on nearly half of the boats competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, a remarkable feat that placed Australian manufacturing in the global spotlight. CST Composites focuses on the design and manufacture of cost-effective, yet high-quality, filament wound tubing to serve marine, industrial, and high-tech markets. The strength of CST lies in its unique filament winding technology, which has been developed and refined since its inception.The Endeavour Awards continue to be a grand celebration of innovation, growth, and perseverance, highlighting the outstanding achievements of those within the Australian manufacturing sector. These awards serve as a testament to the industry's potential and the remarkable individuals and organizations that drive it forward.