Craig de Leon Awarded HMA Manufacturing Leader Of 2023

The Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) serve as an important platform to recognise and celebrate the remarkable leaders and innovators who are leaving their mark in their respective fields within the region. 

In a showcase of excellence across thirteen diverse categories, Elecbrakes takes great pride in being a finalist for the Rising Star award while also winning the prestigious Manufacturing Leader award.

The Hunter region boasts an industrial heritage that spans more than a century, cultivating one of the most highly skilled workforces in the country. The HMA, through its awards, aims to acknowledge and spotlight this culture of excellence, promoting a vibrant and enduring industry that meets the challenges of the future head-on.

Craig de Leon, Founder and Director of Elecbrakes, has been recognised as a Manufacturing Leader. This award acknowledges leaders with a strong track record in the manufacturing sector, who’ve proven to be inspiring and courageous leaders making significant contributions to businesses and the manufacturing industry over time.

Craig de Leon exemplifies this!

In the last two years, Craig led Elecbrakes through a significant transformation, focusing on technology, automation, and growth. With his team, they introduced a high-precision SMT production line, integrated collaborative robots for faster and safer production, shifted to sustainable packaging, and started making trailer pins in-house to improve quality and reduce lead times. This transformation also involved moving the business to a larger facility and expanding the team from 6 to 45 members.

Craig’s commitment to fostering a diverse and positive workforce is evident through his efforts to increase female representation in manufacturing roles, addressing an industry-wide gap. Additionally, his collaboration with a disability support organisation to create employment opportunities within his business has resulted in a versatile and highly skilled team of dedicated employees.

Integrity played a significant role in the award, with a focus on whether Elecbrakes not only excels in their field but also upholds their core values. Craig has played a pivotal role in ensuring the company’s unwavering commitment to never compromising on quality. During the initial phases of developing Elecbrakes’ brake controllers, Craig’s insistence on perfection was non-negotiable. This uncompromising integrity permeates the entire manufacturing process, with each product undergoing rigorous quality testing. Craig’s determination to avoid shortcuts is what truly distinguishes Elecbrakes in the industry.

Craig firmly believes that the success of Elecbrakes is a direct reflection of the incredible team he has assembled. He takes great pleasure in coaching and mentoring the next generation of manufacturing leaders. His vision, though straightforward, is what drives him “to be the #1 product of choice to get the world moving.” Through innovation, creativity, and a commitment to great customer service, Craig is rapidly turning this vision into reality.

Acknowledgement must also go to Toby Shaward, Automation Engineer at Elecbrakes, who was a finalist for the HMA Rising Star award. Through his qualities of drive, enthusiasm, personal integrity, resilience, exceptional teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning, Toby is honoured by his recognition.

Both Craig and Toby look forward to the future of the industry and the continued growth of the company.

Ready to start towing safely?

We’re excited for you to experience the enhanced capabilities of our brake controller and we look forward to being a part of your journey.

Happy towing!