Di Kloé a trailblazer for women in manufacturing receives AMTIL’s 25-Year Founding Member Award

Di Kloé’s name is synonymous with leadership and innovation in the Australian manufacturing sector. As one of the pioneering women in an industry traditionally dominated by men, Di’s influence has been instrumental in shaping the direction and success of the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL). Di’s commitment to advancing the manufacturing industry has left a permanent mark. This article chronicles the formation of AMTIL, its evolution, and Di Kloe’s crucial role in its journey to becoming a cornerstone of the Australian manufacturing landscape.

Austech: A bold new beginning

The Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL) was established in August 1999, born from the merger of two influential industry bodies: the Australian Machine Tool Association (AMTA) in New South Wales and the Institute of Machine Tool Australia (IMTA) in Victoria. One of the key figures in this merger was Shane Infanti whose passion and dedication would see him appointed as the first CEO of AMTIL.

Starting with 80 members, AMTIL combined AMTA’s exhibition experience and IMTA’s Victorian supplier network. A key issue was AMTEX profits going to Sydney Chamber of Commerce rather than the industry it served.

Thus, AMTIL was created, with Shane at the helm as CEO. With only a modest sum in the bank, the first major initiative was to create a new exhibition to replace AMTEX. Since they could not retain the AMTEX name, the team worked tirelessly to develop a new brand—Austech. The inaugural Austech exhibition took place in May 2000 in Sydney and was a resounding success. It generated the necessary funds to kickstart AMTIL’s operations and laid the foundation for future growth.

Championing diversity: Di Kloé’s lasting impact

Approximately 11 months after AMTIL’s inauguration, Di Kloé joined the AMTIL board and remained in this role for 11 years. Di’s arrival marked a significant moment in the history of the organisation. She was a true trailblazer, representing women in manufacturing at a time when the industry was overwhelmingly male-dominated. With the support of Shane, Di’s leadership within AMTIL grew. Her tenure culminated in her last 4 years serving as President of AMTIL. Di’s impact on AMTIL and the broader manufacturing industry cannot be overstated. AMTIL continued to grow and innovate, always staying true to its mission of supporting and advancing the manufacturing sector in Australia. Di’s leadership and vision also helped shape the organisation into its influential body today.

Shane’s progressive approach to leadership was instrumental in supporting Di’s rise within the organisation. Together, they championed the inclusion of women in manufacturing, setting a precedent that continues to influence AMTIL’s values and operations. Di’s and Annaliese Kloé’s contributions were recognised when both were presented with the AMTIL’s 25-Year Member Award on the 8^th of August 2024 a testament to their enduring influence and commitment.

The story of AMTIL reflects vision, dedication, and effective leadership. From humble beginnings, it has become a cornerstone of the Australian manufacturing industry, largely due to the pioneering efforts of individuals like Di Kloé, Annaliese Kloé, Shane Infanti and others that followed. Their legacy inspires future generations to advance the work they began and to push the boundaries of what is possible in manufacturing.