Grifco Wins Excellence in Export and Global Supply Chains Award

Chamberlain Group was honoured as a sustainable pioneer at the Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) ceremony held in Newcastle on 23 October 2020. The awards celebrate resilient, innovative manufacturing across the Hunter and Central Coast regions, with 2020 placing special emphasis on adaptability during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

In 2020, Chamberlain Group was nominated for both Excellence in Sustainable Operations and Manufacturer of the Year, ultimately winning the Excellence in Sustainable Operations Award. The recognition reflects the organisation’s long‑term commitment to reducing its environmental impact and the strong progress already achieved through its five‑year sustainability strategy.

Graeme Sheekey, Head of Operations at Chamberlain Group, explains that sustainability has been a key priority for the organisation:

“We worked with Lighthouse Futures, a sustainability consulting firm, to develop a five‑year sustainability roadmap based on the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The journey started three years ago, and we’re incredibly proud of the work our employees have done to get us to where we are today.”

The program’s focus includes employee engagement, measurable KPIs, and a clear roadmap and policies that all six Australian sites can follow. A dedicated Sustainability Committee oversees implementation across the organisation.

Chamberlain Group has achieved Zero Harm for three consecutive years and continues to reduce its carbon footprint through lower energy usage, waste reduction, and more efficient water and paper consumption. Initiatives include a 100kW solar panel system, energy‑efficient lighting upgrades, and the use of Industry 4.0 technologies such as an innovative magnetic sweep to further reduce energy consumption.

Waste reduction also plays a key role. The business has transitioned to recyclable packaging, replaced internal stretch wrap with reusable straps, and introduced a company‑wide recycling policy in 2019. Eco‑bins are now placed throughout office and factory areas, and new paperless systems have significantly reduced paper waste.

These initiatives have delivered measurable environmental benefits. The sustainability program has already saved more than 31,600 kg of CO₂, equivalent to planting over 943 trees. With around 100 employees across ANZ engaged in the program, Chamberlain Group plans to extend the initiative to its 6,000 global employees to continue building momentum and strengthen long‑term environmental performance.

This achievement marks the second consecutive year Chamberlain Group has been recognised at the Hunter Manufacturing Awards, following the Manufacturer of the Year Award the business received in 2019.

Chamberlain Group has laid a strong foundation for a sustainable future and remains dedicated to creating a more prosperous, inclusive, and environmentally responsible world.