Victoria Minister for Manufacturing Exports & Trade Richard Dalla-Riva

Nominations Sought For Excellence In Manufacturing

Victor P Taffa

Visiting one of the Global Leaders in Rail Manufacturing today, Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva encouraged industry associations and companies to nominate locally-based manufacturers for the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame 2011.

At Bombardier Transportation Australia in Dandenong, Australia’s only Manufacturing Minister Richard Dalla-Riva said that nominations were now being sought for Victorian manufacturers whose innovative and sophisticated solutions to manufacturing are world-class.

“Victoria’s Manufacturers are innovative, quality-driven and committed to their industries, and these awards highlight true excellence.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

The 2011 awards include two new categories, one for entrepreneurial excellence by a company and the second for a young manufacturer working with enabling technologies for manufacturing such as information and communication technology, nano and microtechnology, and biotechnology.

“Now is the chance for our local industry to have their say in nominating those individuals and companies who have made their mark in manufacturing.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

“This is an exciting time to be involved in manufacturing in Victoria and our Government will provide the support and necessary development opportunities to ensure that Victoria is recognised as Australia’s leading manufacturing state.”

“We will focus on rebuilding the local manufacturing sector, starting with local procurement in expanding the suburban train network by 20 %.”

“The Baillieu Government will ensure manufacturing businesses have greater access to new research and technologies, expanded markets and future opportunities through enhanced relationships with tertiary and R&D institutions and industry-focused government assistance.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

Successful Hall of Fame award winners represent the depth and capability of Victoria’s manufacturing sector working in areas such as aeronautics, automotive, telecommunications, printing, textiles, scientific instruments, health, packaging, marine, recycling and food.

Train Manufacturer Bombardier recently won a competitive tender to build and maintain Adelaide’s 66 new high-tech electric Trains over the next four years, further cementing the future of Train building in Victoria. Bombardier also won the contract to supply 50 new Trams for Melbourne with options of an additional 100 Trams.

“Since their inception, 106 companies, 22 honour roll recipients and seven outstanding young manufacturers have been inducted into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

Nominations for the awards opened on 23 December, 2010 and remain open until 28 February, 2011. The award winners will be announced at the Hall of Fame Awards night to be held on 26 May 2011, during National Manufacturing Week.

For more information about the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame visit www.business.vic.gov.au/halloffame