Ararat firm wins national accolade
rarat success story AME Systems has continued to cement its position as a major player in Victorian manufacturing by winning a national business award.
The multi-million-dollar firm, which manufactures electrical harnesses and assemblies for an international clientele, won a business excellence category at 2021 Australian Business Awards.
AME Systems specialises in customised electrical ‘solutions’ for heavy transport, aerospace, defence, rail, agriculture and special-purpose vehicles and machinery, providing service and support from design to delivery.
The firm has a workforce of about 400 and in the past few years has established a significant global reputation as a parts supplier in the aerospace and defence industry.
AME Systems took a profound manufacturing leap in 2017 when it ventured beyond the truck, bus and mining-equipment field into the aerospace and defence sector in response to increased Federal Government investment.
It then reached a major milestone with certification in international quality management system standards for the aviation, space and defence industry.
A major latest example of its success in the field has included forming a partnership with Boeing Australia to provide electrical wiring systems to support the Loyal Wingman Advanced Development Program for the Royal Australian Air Force. Another was to produce wire harnesses for American aerospace and defence technology company Northrop Grumman for its aircraft for use by the United States Navy.
The awards, in their 16th year, recognise organisations that demonstrate core values of business and product innovation, technological achievement and employee engagement via a set of established business and product award categories.
AME Systems managing director Nick Carthew said the award affirmed the firm’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovative business processes.
“Winning this award is fantastic recognition for our amazing team. Our people have worked tirelessly, with care for each other and are passionate about delivering the world’s finest quality products for our customers’ projects,” he said.
“Product is important, but AME Systems believe relationships, honesty, technical knowledge and highest-level customer service are equally important. I am immensely proud to work alongside such great people each day.”
Awards program director Tara Johnston said the COVID-19 pandemic had presented one of the most significant business challenges ever faced by organisations across Australia.
“It created a critical need for leading organisations to adapt to new working environments and adopt new approaches to innovation while navigating the technical and operational constraints imposed by the lockdown,” she said.
She said the program provided an opportunity to acknowledge and honour high-performing organisations that implemented world-class business programs and projects for their achievements, both nationally and internationally.
AME Systems has a long history of business and community involvement in Ararat, an approach that still forms the backbone of the company. Its headquarters and manufacturing remain in Ararat and the company also has a finishing and service centre in Melbourne and manufacturing operations in Malaysia.
Some families have had three generations represented in the company’s workforce.