It’s been a big month here at Hetech, from Land Forces to a new Operations Manager and plenty in between. Here’s a quick recap from October.

Local School Visits Hetech

It’s great to see local teachers facilitating career days such as this. Last week, Hetech welcomed teachers and students from a local high school through Hetech HQ. Mark (Hetech’s Managing Director) showed the group through our manufacturing facility and provided the students with an overview of what a career in electronics could look like.

Shane Kelley Joins Hetech as Operations Manager

Shane comes to Hetech with a wealth of experience and skills. Shane is a highly disciplined, resilient, and experienced Manager with a history of delivering Strategic, Financial and Operational goals through productivity gains, process improvement and inspirational leadership. Shane’s background includes governmental and private leadership positions across various industries, including Manufacturing, Civil Infrastructure, Defence and Government.

Success at Land Forces 2022

Hetech were honoured to be involved and included in the QLD Government stand. It was great to meet with some of the customers and partners face-to-face. As a business, we look forward to growing our capabilities within the local Defence industry through a number of initiatives.

Hetech is pleased to announce that our new Operations Manager, Shane Kelley, has officially started. We’ve given Shane a week to get his feet under the table and now want to introduce Shane to our customers and suppliers.

Shane comes to Hetech with a wealth of experience and skills. Shane is a highly disciplined, resilient, and experienced Manager with a history of delivering Strategic, Financial and Operational goals through productivity gains, process improvement and inspirational leadership. Shane’s background includes governmental and private leadership positions across various industries, including Manufacturing, Civil Infrastructure, Defence and Government.

We got some time today to ask Shane 5 questions that we thought were relevant. 

How long have you worked in Electronic manufacturing? 

I have worked in Manufacturing for the past five years after many years in Business and Stakeholder management across many sectors, including State government and Tier 1 Organisations.

How did you start your career in the industry? 

I started my working life in the Royal Australian Navy, serving as part of the engineering department on HMAS Perth (DDG38), and HMAS Kuttabul (Fleet Maintenance Arm) – before taking on executive/management positions within the QLD State Government (Transport and Main Roads).

My roles have always focused on delivery, and I get my kicks by providing solutions to my customers and navigating the various challenges this entails.

What excites you most about the industry? 

I’m excited to support and continue to grow local businesses to develop world-class infrastructure and solutions further. I think there is an excellent opportunity due to the current global climate to build more locally, and there is no reason why Australia shouldn’t lead the way.

Outside of this, I think using technology (machinery) to upskill staff further and produce more complex products will be an exciting journey.

What are the biggest challenges you can see within the industry right now? 

Skills shortages are something every industry within Australia (and across the world) is facing at the moment.

I am looking forward to working with Schools, TAFE’s and Universities to increase our talent pool while providing long-term careers to the next generation of kids in new and exciting fields/industries.

Supply chain issues and shortages of parts have meant most businesses have had to pivot and plan significantly ahead. I see Hetech and myself partnering with our customers and suppliers to ensure delivery is as timely and efficient as possible.

Why did you decide to work with Hetech? 

Hetech is more than just a traditional manufacturing company, I can see they are innovative and have a great work environment. I can also see that Australian Manufacturing is a growth area that helps build capability and protect Australian assets and interests.

That’s a wrap to Land Forces 2022 in Brisbane. Hetech were honoured to be involved and included in the QLD Government stand. It was great to meet with some of the customers and partners face-to-face. As a business, we look forward to growing our capabilities within the local Defence industry through a number of initiatives, just some of these are:

• AS9100 certification
• Hetech were chosen to take part in the Boeing Capability Up-Lift Program

This year was the largest Land Forces Expo ever held! With over 810 participating exhibitor companies and record attendances. We are looking forward to Land Forces 2023!

Check out our pictures from the 3-day event: