Member for Altona Jill Hennessy has congratulated this year’s Young Manufacturer of the Year, Anna Reid, a manager at two factories in Laverton and Tullamarine.

Announced at a gala awards dinner in Melbourne last night, the Young Manufacturer of the Year Award recognises early career achievements.

Anna is the Site Manager of two Asahi factories in Laverton and Tullamarine, managing a combined budget of $60 million and producing over 35 million cases of beverages per year. She has an impressive manufacturing resume, having managed the implementation of an $80 million upgrade to Schweppes Australia’s operations in Western Australia, and she also overseen manufacturing operations for Tip Top Bakeries and Golden Circle.

The Manufacturing Hall of Fame awards were established in 2001 to celebrate manufacturing excellence in Victoria. The Awards acknowledge those individuals and companies whose innovation, creativity and drive helps to make Victoria’s manufacturing sector competitive.

Six new award categories were introduced this year to reflect the Andrews Labor Government’s plan to boost sectors which have the potential for extraordinary growth.

The new sector categories and their winners are:
·        Medical technology and pharmaceuticals – Fairmont Medical Products
·        New energy technology – Millennium Electronics
·        Food and fibre processing – LangTech International
·        Transport, defence and construction technology – Alstom Transport Australia
·        International education – RMIT Advanced Manufacturing Precinct
·        Professional services – Dairy Innovation Australia Limited.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry, Lily D’Ambrosio:
“The Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards recognise the challenges ahead for the manufacturing sector by promoting innovation, growth and excellence in manufacturing.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Altona District, Jill Hennessy:
“Anna is a fantastic representative of the innovation and promise of Victoria’s manufacturing industry.”

“I congratulate her on her amazing contribution to Victorian manufacturing already. I know she has a bright future ahead.”