Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva today (1 February, 2012) called on the heroes of Victoria’s manufacturing industry – both companies and individuals – to nominate for the 2012 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame awards.

Speaking during a site visit to Ecotech in Scoresby, Mr Dalla-Riva said the awards celebrated manufacturing excellence in Victoria.

“They showcase locally based manufacturers whose creative solutions to manufacturing challenges have proven to be world class,” Mr Dalla-Riva said.

“They recognise the skill, achievement and contribution made by Victorian manufacturers to the Victorian and national economies in the face of a high Australian dollar, ongoing global uncertainty and increased competition.”

Ecotech, a previous inductee of the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame, specialises in the design, manufacture and maintenance of environmental monitoring systems and exports to some 70 countries around the world.

“Ecotech’s well-earned place in the Hall of Fame reflects the significant contribution it makes to manufacturing in Victoria,” Mr Dalla-Riva said.

“Now in their eleventh year, the awards have recognised a total of 116 innovative companies, added 24 recipients to the Honour Roll and acknowledged eight young Manufacturers of the Year.

“These award winners have demonstrated a depth and diversity of capability across the manufacturing sector including aeronautical, automotive, telecommunications, printing, textiles, scientific instruments, health, packaging, marine, recycling and food.

“The Victorian Coalition Government will be engaging with companies like these as it delivers on its recently launched Manufacturing Statement to strengthen Victoria's manufacturing industry to secure jobs and grow business investment.”

Judging will be carried out by a panel of industry experts which will select the 2012 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame inductees, new additions to the Honour Roll, the Enabling Technology Company of the Year, the Enabling Technology Entrepreneur of the Year and the Young Manufacturer of the Year.

In 2012, three new awards will be introduced to recognise the Manufacturer of the Year in each of the categories of small, medium and large businesses. These awards are open to previous Hall of Fame inductees as well as manufacturers not yet recognised by the program.

Nominations will close on 29 February 2012 and the awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner to be held on Thursday 3 May 2012 at the Palladium Ballroom, Crown Entertainment Centre.  Visit http://www.business.vic.gov.au/halloffame for further details.