Boyne Smelters manager stands potential contender for AIMEA 2015 title

Boyne Smelters Ltd general manager Joe Rea has reached the regional finals of the Manager of the Year category for the Australian Institute of Management Excellence Awards 2015.

During the past three years, he and his workforce have delivered operational cost reductions nearing $100 million, requiring difficult decisions around workforce reductions, production curtailment and site investment against a now six-year low for aluminium prices.

Mr Rea has also led BSL to achieve a period of 365 days without a recordable injury, the best result ever achieved at the operation since it opened in 1981.

"The Australian manufacturing industry is currently shrinking at a greater rate than it ever has in our lifetime. It would be a sad day when we surrender the opportunity to add value to Australian resources," Mr Rea said.

"Having the courage to adapt to market conditions and bring the workforce along with you on the journey is something I strive to achieve each day. In order to survive, we have had to transform our thinking and if you can positively influence the alignment between the business's objectives and the expectations of employees, suppliers, community and government, then anything is possible," he said.

Working his way up from an apprentice at the Weipa bauxite mine to a general manager role at BSL has given Joe an all-round perspective of leadership. Pacific Aluminium CEO Bruce Cox was proud to endorse Joe for the category.

"His passion and energy, his intimate understanding of his business, his great sense of humility combined with the development of a very visual strategy in which he engages, have all contributed to BSL's success," Mr Cox said.

Mr Rea will travel to Brisbane for the regional and state awards night on 11 September.