Hedweld

30/10/2026

2026 HUNTER MANUFACTURING AWARDS HALL OF FAME

Congratulations to Ian Hedley, founder of Hedweld Group of Companies, who was inducted into the Hunter Manufacturing Awards Hall of Fame, proudly sponsored by BAE Systems Australia

Recognised as the highest honour bestowed by the Hunter Manufacturing Awards, Hall of Fame induction celebrates individuals and organisations whose leadership, innovation and vision have made a lasting contribution to manufacturing and helped shape the future of the industry.

Ian Hedley was recognised for more than 45 years of innovation, leadership and contribution to Australian manufacturing. Through the growth of Hedweld from a sole trader operation in regional New South Wales into an internationally recognised engineering and manufacturing business exporting to 38 countries, he has helped transform mining safety, create skilled career opportunities and showcase Australian engineering excellence on the global stage.

Driven by a commitment to solving real-world industry challenges, Ian led the development of world-leading innovations that continue to improve safety and maintenance practices across major mining operations worldwide. His influence extends beyond technology and engineering, with apprenticeships, workforce development and skills creation remaining central to the business he built.

Today, Ian's legacy shows not only in Hedweld's global success, but in the generations of tradespeople, engineers and manufacturing professionals whose careers have been shaped by his leadership, mentorship and vision.

His induction into the Hunter Manufacturing Awards Hall of Fame recognises a lifetime dedicated to advancing manufacturing, improving industry safety and creating opportunities for future generations. Through his vision, determination and commitment to solving real-world challenges, Ian has built a legacy that will continue to influence manufacturing for generations to come.

Congratulations to Ian Hedley on this well-deserved recognition and extraordinary contribution to Australian manufacturing.

30/10/2026

A VERY SPECIAL NIGHT FOR HEDWELD

Tonight we celebrate Ian Hedley, our Founding Director, as he is inducted into the 2026 NSW Hunter Manufacturing Awards Hall of Fame.

More than 40 years ago, Ian started Hedweld as a one-man business in the Hunter.

Today, his vision has grown into a global manufacturing company, with innovative products helping make mining safer and more efficient around the world.

Ian's greatest achievements aren't just measured by Hedweld's products, patents or awards. It's the people, the careers he has helped build, the opportunities he has created, the knowledge he has shared and everyone he has inspired.

Ian has always said that success is a team effort.

Tonight, we celebrate the man who started it all. Congratulations Ian. This one is very well deserved.

28/10/2026

Safe Work Month ends this week. But the work doesn't stop.

We asked buyers of component handling equipment what matters most. They rated safety 9.2 out of 10 in importance, the highest of the factors we asked about. We've built around that since 1980.

Hedweld. Built for Life.

12/10/2026

Happy to be a finalist - thank you HunterNet Career Connections

Wishing all of our finalists at tonight's AEN Awards in Sydney the best of luck! It is a tremendous achievement to be nominated and the HunterNet Team will be cheering you all on!! 👏

06/10/2026

In 1980, Ian and Jan Hedley started Hedweld, repairing and maintaining equipment on Hunter Valley mine sites.

Ian saw firsthand how the heaviest components on mining equipment were being handled, and the risk it put on the people doing the work. He knew there had to be a safer way. So in 1986, he built our first Trilift Variable Work Table for RW Miller, a local Hunter Valley mine.

46 years on, we're still family owned, still designing and manufacturing at Mount Thorley, and our equipment works on mine sites in 38 countries.

"The people maintaining and working around heavy mining equipment deserve to go home safely at the end of their shift. That's what Built for Life means to us." Kristy Hedley, Managing Director

Through October we'll be sharing what we've learned from more than four decades in mining. Follow along.

02/10/2026

Okay, so we might have used a little Ai… 😂

But our support for the Knights is 100% real! ❤️💙

The atmosphere across Newcastle and the Hunter this week has been incredible, and we’re proud to be getting behind our local team for the big one this Sunday.

Bring it home, boys! GO THE KNIGHTS! ❤️💙⚔️

01/10/2026

⭐ WE’RE A FINALIST!

We’re excited to share some great news…

Hedweld and Australian Electric Vehicle Specialists are finalists in the Collaboration Partnership Award at the 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards! 🎉

We’re incredibly proud of what can be achieved when two Australian manufacturing businesses work together, share their expertise and tackle a challenge as partners.

Being recognised alongside some of the Hunter region’s outstanding manufacturers is something we’re very proud of.

Now for the exciting part… The awards dinner is being held on Friday 30 October — so we’ll be crossing our fingers and looking forward to celebrating with the Australian EVS team and our fellow finalists!

Congratulations to everyone who made the finalist list. 👏

Hedweld × Australian EVS
Finalists – Collaboration Partnership Award

01/10/2026

A Toolbox Talk, a BBQ and a pretty important conversation.

With October being National Safe Work Month, the Hedweld team got together to talk safety — and then enjoy a well-earned BBQ lunch.

Because safety is about more than what happens on the job.

It’s about the people we work with, the people waiting for us at home, and making sure everyone gets to enjoy life beyond work.

Safe work is for life.

Stay tuned for more from Hedweld.

18/09/2026

46 years ago, Ian and Jan Hedley started Hedweld in Mt Thorley, NSW. Today, that same business designs and manufactures maintenance support equipment and access systems used on mine sites in 38 countries. We're proudly family owned and operated. We think that's worth celebrating.

Happy National Family Business Day to every family business out there, including our own.

16/09/2026

Handling heavy cutting edges and G.E.T. doesn't have to mean unnecessary manual handling.

The Trilift® Lever Pin N Lift is designed to provide a safer, more efficient way to lift and position heavy cutting edges and corner tips on large earthmoving equipment.

With interchangeable adaptors and an innovative locking mechanism, it provides a secure lifting point for the job.

Less manual handling. More safety. More efficiency.

Find out more at https://www.hedweld.com.au/product/lever-pin-n-lift/