By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
INNOVATION is what sets Australian Precision Technologies (APT) apart from other competing manufacturers, according to one of its key directors.
It is this ingenuity that saw the Berwick engineering company inducted into the Victorian Manufacturing Industry Hall of Fame last month, and also named a finalist in the Small Manufacturer of the Year category.
APT business director Ron Weinzierl said the induction was a testament to the past 22 years of the company’s existence in which the manufacturer had cemented itself as a key player in the market.
“We’re really proud of what the business has turned into,” he said last week.
“That industry recognition gives you pride in all the hard work that you’ve done.
“It was a good atmosphere; among all the doom and gloom in the manufacturing sector that type of night gives you a chance to enjoy what you do.”
The beginnings of APT hark back to 1992 when Ron’s brother Richard Weinzierl started manufacturing components.
Ron joined the team in 1998 and helped develop APT into a leader in the precision engineering industry.
“It’s all about how your business uses innovation and how you run efficiently in day-to-day business practices,” Ron said.
“We have world leading machinery and manufacture components to customer designs that get utilized around the globe.
“As a component manufacture we’re known for precision engineering – we make stuff that people can make into products.”
Ron also said APT’s success stemmed from an emphasis on forward planning, something he views as a non-negotiable necessity.
“We’re doing our business strategy now for the next three to five years,” he said.
“It’s number one, if you’re not doing that your business is going backwards and you don’t even realise.
“You have to stay in front of the game to make sure you’re adding value to your customer.”
Manufacturing Minister David Hodgett commended the companies recognised at the Hall of Fame, first established in 2001.
“These competitive and export focused manufacturers were recognised for their innovation, productivity and contribution to the Victorian economy in the face of increased global competition and the strong Australian dollar,” Mr Hodgett said.
Hallam-based businesses Wastech, Southern Star Windows and Lumen were also recognised at the Hall of Fame night.
Wastech was recognised as a Medium Manufacturer of the Year finalist, Southern Star Windows was recognised as an induction finalist and Lumen was recognised as a Large Manufacturer of the Year finalist.
