PORT Stephens based Ampcontrol have been recognised for their exemplary contribution to innovation, industry and community at the Engineers Australia 2021 Engineer of the Year Awards.

The innovative business had three finalists in the awards, with Richard Griffiths a Finalist in the 2021 Professional Engineer of the Year, Newcastle Division; Thomas Steigler named 2021 Young Professional Engineer of the Year, Newcastle Division; and Dr Ian Webster named 2021 Professional Engineer of the Year, Newcastle Division.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

Rod Henderson, Ampcontrol’s Managing Director and CEO said, “As Australia’s largest privately-owned electrical engineering company, we have over 250 talented people in engineering roles.

“We value and celebrate excellence in what they do and their contribution to our business, community, and everyday life.

“Being recognised by Engineers Australia is a tremendous honour within our industry, and the acknowledgement of our people at the Engineer of the Year Awards is a very proud occasion.”

Richard Griffiths BE (Elect), MIEAust, MIEEE, CPEng, RPEQ is Ampcontrol Senior Research and Development Engineer and was a Finalist in the 2021 Professional Engineer of the Year Award, Newcastle Division.

Richard was the first professional Engineer appointed to Ampcontrol in February 1978 and has been integral in product development and application support for over 43 years.

Thomas Steigler BEng MECH(Hons)/BEng MCHA(Hons) is an Ampcontrol Research Engineer and the 2021 Young Professional Engineer of the Year Award winner, Newcastle Division.

He joined Ampcontrol in 2018 while completing his Honours thesis in gas detection with Ampcontrol Electronics.

In September 2020, Thomas’ work focused on a collaborative partnership between Ampcontrol and Australian start-up, LAVO, to successfully produce a domestic hydrogen battery to pioneer the next generation of green energy storage for commercial and residential use.

‘Winning the award is a great honour and a confidence boost moving forward into new challenges,” Thomas said.
“I would like to be part of Ampcontrol’s future continued diversification.

“There are so many exciting new opportunities right at our doorstep, and as a group we have the skills not to just take on new opportunities, but become a leader in the field that others look to.”

Dr Ian Webster (PhD CPEng FIEAust EngExec RPEQ FSEng) is Ampcontrol Group Engineering Manager and the 2021 Professional Engineer of the Year, Newcastle Division.

Ian is also Conjoint Senior Fellow, School of Electrical Engineering and Computing at the University of Newcastle.

Ian has held numerous leadership roles with national and international engineering bodies.

He is presently the Lead National Technical Delegate to IEC TC31 MT60079-29 (Gas Detection), Chair Standards Australia EL-023 Electrical Equipment for Mines and Quarries, a member JASANZ ANZEx Advisory Committee and a NATA Technical Assessor.

Ian has led several high-profile industrial projects, most recently the development of an ICU Emergency Ventilator; a project motivated by the COVID-19 pandemic, where Ampcontrol was invited to design and manufacture 600 ICU ventilators in 28 days to service a forecast shortfall in NSW hospitals.

Thomas Steigler also participated in the development of the ventilators.

Ian led a team of clinicians, engineers, and manufacturing staff to successfully demonstrate a working ventilator at the John Hunter Hospital in just 18 days.

Ampcontrol was subsequently awarded a contract for design and supply of mid acuity ventilators for the NSW Government.

Dr Ian Webster, Ampcontrol Group Engineering Manager said, “It is an honour and a privilege for me to be recipient of this award.

“Fundamentally, engineering is a collaborative effort and a collective achievement.

“The spectrum of the engineering profession will illuminate many individual and valuable contributions.

“For me, winning this award, also recognises all the professionals that I have been fortunate to work with and hopefully to motivate and inspire.”

By Marian SAMPSON