Composites Industry Awards 2024

The Composites Australia Annual Industry Awards – 2024

The Composites Industry Awards 2024 recognise outstanding achievements in the composites sector, honouring individuals and organisations for excellence, commitment, and innovation.

Sponsored by MVP Australia, this year’s Awards dinner celebrated exceptional service and leadership in composites manufacturing.

Congratulations to all the deserving recipients driving our industry forward.

Leadership and Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Tony Caristo, Managing Director, RPC Technologies Pty Ltd

Tony is recognised for his enduring service and leadership in composites manufacturing.

Tony’s career, beginning in the 1980s, has transformed RPC Technologies, expanding its workforce to over 500 employees and establishing five facilities. We are proud to award Tony Caristo the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to engineering and manufacturing and for shaping Australia’s industrial landscape.

Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Kevin Skerman, R&D Engineer, Wagners CFT Manufacturing

Kevin is recognised for his transformative contributions to composites manufacturing.

Kevin’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry, with over 1.4 million cross-arms installed across the Australian electricity distribution network. His work has not only seen the Wagners Toowoomba facility grow from a three-person startup but also instilled hope for its future, now a thriving hub with over 140 staff members.

Lifetime Achievement Award in the Education category was awarded to Roger Cater, Manager, PARTEC (Qld). 

Roger is recognised for his outstanding services to education in composite technology and manufacturing.

Roger has elevated technical education standards in the composites sector through his leadership at PARTEC, shaping countless professionals. His innovative teaching methods and alignment with industry needs have prepared students for impactful careers, earning him the Lifetime Achievement Award – Education.

Engineer of the Year Award was awarded to Virginie Murphy, Engineering Manager, RPC Technologies

Virginie is recognised for her professional excellence in engineering within composite manufacturing.

Virginie, a leader in materials engineering, developed innovative carbon fibre and Permaglass technologies, improved rail system safety, and enhanced AMP Control enclosures. She holds advanced degrees and has led defence projects, earning recognition for her contributions to industry excellence.

The Innovation Award for Advancements in Composite Technology in the ‘Product’ category was awarded to Aquatic Leisure Technologies (ALT)

ALT is recognised for its transformative achievements in advanced materials for composite manufacturing, specifically graphene-enhanced pools.

This award recognises the development of Graphene Nano-Tech GRP pools, launched in 2020. ALT’s collaboration with First Graphene enhanced pool strength and durability by infusing graphene into the resin, overcoming moisture absorption challenges and scaling production despite pandemic obstacles.

The Innovation Award for Advancements in Composite Technology in the ‘Component’ category was awarded to  Advanced Composite Structures Australia (ACS-A).

ACS – A is recognised for its transformative achievements in engineering lightweight composite azimuth arms.

This award recognises ACS’s lightweight carbon-fibre azimuth arms development for EM Solutions’ satcom systems. Achieving a 65% mass reduction, the innovative design enhances performance for naval operations, provides cost savings, and simplifies installation for military communications on naval vessels.

Accepting the award is Mr. Andre Duarte, Business Development Manager at Advanced Composite Structures Australia.

The Apprentice of the Year Award was awarded to Mitchell Olds, Zone RV, Certificate III in Polymer Processing /Composites with PARTEC (Qld) Pty Ltd.

Mitch is recognised for his advanced ability and commitment to composites manufacturing.

Mitchell, nominated by Dieter Heydenrych from PARTEC Institute, excelled in his apprenticeship by creating durable, reusable silicone vacuum bags. His leadership, clear communication, and commitment to personal and team development have set new standards in composites manufacturing.

The Apprentice of the Year award is sponsored by allnex Composites

L 2 R - Genelle Coghlan, Colan Australia; Mitch Olds, One Composites; Andre Duarte, ACS - A; Virginie Murphy & Tony Caristo, RPC Technologies; Kevin Skerman, Wagners CFT ; Roger Cater, PARTEC Inst.; Kerryn Caulfield, Composites Australia Inc.

The awards were presented at the Composites Australia conference dinner – on 1st May 2024.
www.compositesconference.com.au

CLICK THROUGH TO THE AWARDS OVERVIEW

Further information on the awards can be requested at awards@compositesaustralia.com.au