Welcome to this special episode of @AuManufacturing Conversations with Brent Balinski, one which we're running as part of our quest to identify Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers.

The 50 Most Innovative is an annual campaign by @AuManufacturing. This time around it has been made possible through the generous support of MYOB, CSIRO, the NSW government’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility, and the Commonwealth Bank.

In this episode we hear from Josh Hacko, Technical Director at NH Micro and Nicholas Hacko Watchmaker. The fourth-generation watchmaker tells us about how one company grew out of the other, solving the unique challenges thrown up by jobs for research institutes such as ANSTO, why getting back to the sandbox matters, and more.

Episode guide

0:55 – Watchmaking and then contract manufacturing

2:34 – Went straight from high school into working for the family business.

4:08 – Launching sister business in 2021.

6:02 – Use of Linkedin in winning work.

7:05 – Recent projects for university and research organisations and the benefits of this.

8:48 – A recent ANSTO project involving ferrite and its unusual demands.

11:21 – The role of play in innovation, which is “paramount to how we operate.”

14:10 – It’s about a day a week of play at work. It’s not scheduled, though. And the results of play often help profitability.

15:45 – The role of R&D at the company and what steers it.

17:57 – The new watch currently being developed. “And if we tried to do this seven years ago it would’ve taken us seven years to do.”

22:25 – Personal definition of innovation.

24:10 – The reasons for being self-financed and not taking on debt.

26:45 – Doing business in Brookvale, an increasingly “brewery and cafe” neighbourhood, and previous plans to relocate to Mittagong.

29:05 – The enduring challenge of attracting young people into careers as toolmakers, machinists etc.

Further reading

NH Micro's website
Australia’s only watch manufacturer to split in two, target space industry
Media focusing on manufacturing revival – photos
Like trying to breed kangaroos on top of the Swiss Alps
Site visit: the Australian watchmaker creating a movement