Commendation for Gisborne’s Dmitrey Carruthers at Minister for Manufacturing Awards

Dmitrey Carruthers (second right) received a Judges' Commendation at the inaugural Minister for Manufacturing Awards. He is pictured with Stephen Armstrong, NZ Product Accelerator chairman, Jalaine Armstrong and Steve Wilson, 43 Solutions director.

Gisborne Engineering general manager Dmitrey Carruthers received a Judges’ Commendation at the inaugural Minister for Manufacturing Awards.

The awards celebrate excellence and innovation within New Zealand’s manufacturing sector.

Carruthers, 23, was a finalist in the excellence in manufacturing leadership category.

Judges said he was a young man on the path to making a difference.

“He has an impressive grasp of modern management tools for someone young who has only recently completed trade training and is largely self-taught.

“He is as much a people leader as business manager. His courage to attack and overcome some of the commercial and personnel challenges he has encountered in the last two years is well beyond his years and academic training,” judges said.

“What he has achieved, his passion to learn, needed to be recognised.”

Carruthers said it was a huge honour “not just for me but for everyone at Gisborne Engineering”.

“It shows that with passion, innovation and a strong team, regional companies like ours can compete on the national stage.

“I’m proud to help grow manufacturing in Gisborne and inspire other young people to pursue careers in this vital industry.”