Incorporated in 1992, HunterNet is a network of small and medium-sized manufacturing, engineering and consulting companies located in the Hunter Region of NSW. Formed as a non-trading, not for profit Co-Operative, it involves over 100 companies, active in national and international markets in defence, power generation, mineral processing, transportation and major resource projects.
HunterNet was formed as a response to the shifting economic climate of the 1990s, which saw many of the smaller manufacturing and engineering companies competing in a more limited market. Small to medium enterprises needed to create new opportunities for themselves and the region in order to survive. By combining their skills, expertise and the power of many, these companies were able to focus on competing globally.
HunterNet markets the combined capability of the members, provides business development and training opportunities, and promotes the Hunter as a manufacturing and engineering region of excellence.
The network provides member companies with the opportunity to take part in activities previously out of reach of smaller enterprises including training and development, networking, joint marketing initiatives, joint project bids, focused task forces, trade missions and tendering.
Relationships with key bodies such as the NSW Department of State and Regional Development, Hunter Economic Development Corporation, The Hunter Export Centre and the University of Newcastle provide the network with additional support, services and weight in the political and business arena.
"There is a strong cooperative spirit amongst these bodies who, together with HunterNet, are committed to promoting the Hunter as a growing centre of manufacturing excellence."
HunterNet saw the skill shortages issue arise some 10 years ago and set up the HNGTC which now employ over 120 apprentices and trainees on behalf of it's members to ensure that members longer term requirements for skilled staff can be met.
In 2005, HunterNet completed a bench mark study (with the support of the DSRD and the Federal Gov) on Innovation, assisting members and other Hunter Companies to compete in the global market place by assessing how they are placed on the innovation curve and assisting them to develop strategic programs to grow and develop their business in this new competitive environment.
The success of HunterNet Members in winning work from major projects in areas such as ship building, aerospace, rail and mining on an individual and collective basis in the past, will be a key factor in achieving future success for the region as the Hunter gears up for it's next stage of industrial development, with many new industrial and mining projects coming forward, as the Hunter truly becomes Australia's leading industrial and manufacturing region.
Vision
To further develop and strengthen our position as the pre-eminent manufacturing network in the Hunter.
Mission
To build on the current membership base and to spread its influence beyond our region by positioning HunterNet as a successful value adding soft network of dynamic SMEs whose businesses are adopting increasing levels of technology and innovation to serve global (niche) markets.
This process will be facilitated through HunterNet management and members working together in a culture of sharing and collaborating in various areas of business disciplines, including individual and joint bidding on projects/tenders, sales and marketing, product & market development, HR issues, government regulations & programs as well as community issues in general.
HUNTERNET CO-OPERATIVE LIMITED - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OCTOBER 2008 - OCTOBER 2010
