GMC wrapped up our 2024 Connect events with the AGM at the Gordon’s Davidson Restaurant last week. It was a fantastic gathering of members and industry and major sponsors to reflect on this year’s achievements, celebrate our members and gain some fascinating insights into manufacturing success.
A highlight was the Q&A discussion with up-and-coming manufacturing stars Jack Fitzgerald (Think Fencing) and Elly Hanlon (Hanlon Industries) about what it has taken for them and their organisations to succeed in manufacturing.
With both organisations having grown rapidly in recent years, and both being Manufacturing Hall of Fame Award winners, their insights were highly valued and entertaining.
Elly shared some of the keys to Hanlon’s success, including the importance of bringing positivity and a solution-focused mindset to work.
Having now grown to 200 employees, Hanlon has thrived by embracing the benefits of diversity at a leadership level, with Elly highlighting the benefits of different people bringing new ways of thinking and looking at problems.
We were also pleased to hear Elly say that being part of groups such as GMC helps develop communities which are critical to business growth and success.
Jack spoke about both the challenges and rewards in manufacturing, highlighting that resilience is a key requirement for manufacturers. He shared the importance of being willing to ‘fail fast and learn from your mistakes’ to keep innovating and evolving your business.
The Think Fencing founder talked about the challenges of growing a business, in particular ‘that implementing systems, procedures and processes are everything!’
Members were entertained by their journeys and inspired by their passion and energy – leaving with the knowledge that the rewards of manufacturing are great, but you need to work for it.
Read the Annual Report, including Chair and CEO Reports here