REDARC is excited to congratulate Managing Director, Anthony Kittel, on being awarded the Leader of the Year Award at the 2023 Manufacturers’ Monthly Endeavour Awards.
Held on November 30th at the Sofitel Hotel in Melbourne, Tim Chivers, Business Development Manager – Recreational Vehicles, accepted the award on Anthony’s behalf.
Anthony was humbled to receive the award and acknowledged the REDARC team.
“This award is a testament to everyone at REDARC. The team work incredibly hard to meet the needs of consumers across Australia and globally and ensure we are producing quality services and world class products. We appreciate the importance of investing not only into our facilities, research and development, but first and foremost our people.”
“At REDARC, we stand behind a culture of valuing respect, inclusivity, and continuous learning. Staff have built this into the way they work to ensure there is encouragement of respect and trust, rewarding positive results, and opportunities for growth. We continually look for areas of improvement within our industry, nurturing innovation and taking the lead by being a socially responsible corporation to reduce our environmental impact.”
The award was developed to recognise a leader who holds a senior position in a private, not-for-profit, or government organisation who has effectively shaped their business’ success, delivered financial growth, significantly and positively impacted the business’ culture, and championed the industry widely.
In 1997, Anthony and Michele Kittel along with Michele’s parents, Denis and Joan Brion, purchased the business following the premature death of founder Bob Mackie.
Denis Brion then retired in 2002 and Anthony and Michele purchased 100% of the business. Over that time, REDARC’s development has been significant.
From only 8 staff members, to now more than 350, Anthony has faced a raft of challenges.
When manufacturers were moving overseas to keep margins high, Anthony saw Australian manufacturing as an opportunity and a strength.
In the last 3 years, REDARC has seen significant growth, almost doubling REDARC’s workforce with staff across Australia, New Zealand, USA and now Europe.
The ability to grow in new markets is a product of investment. There is a commitment of 15% of total revenue a year to research and development as well as REDARC’s facilities in Lonsdale to ensure REDARC can meet growing demands for products and services.
At REDARC, there are opportunities for the next generation with work experience, apprenticeships, undergraduate and graduate positions.
And outside of the business, Anthony shares his experience and insights at platforms such as UniSA’s MBA Innovation Class, Industry Leaders Foundation and more.
A group of seven judges selected the winner this and year and said REDARC has flourished from the earlier days.
“The company has continued to innovate and find more areas to remain relevant in Australia and meet the needs of the wider industry. Anthony is an example worth highlighting to the broader manufacturing industry, thus very deserving of this award.”
We acknowledge fellow category finalist Joe Bryant from Aeromech, making a mark in the aeroscape industry.
