ANCA Co-Founders Patrick Boland and Patrick McCluskey Awarded Medal of the Order of Australia

ANCA co-founders, Patrick Boland and Patrick McCluskey, have been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 Australia Day Honors List.

ANCA's Pat Boland (right) and Pat McCluskey (left) awarded OAM.

 

 

Known as "The Two Pats," their visionary leadership has propelled ANCA for more than 5 decades. According to the company, the duo has demonstrated that advanced manufacturing can not only thrive in Australia but also contribute to high-value products, international competitiveness, meaningful careers, and sovereign industrial capabilities.

A Lifetime of Innovation and Dedication

The dynamic partnership of Boland and McCluskey -- combining academic expertise and practical ingenuity -- has led to the development of world-first technologies that have revolutionized the cutting-tool industry. Notable innovations include groundbreaking in-machine measurement that set new standards in precision manufacturing.

ANCA was founded in 1974 in Melbourne.

 

 

Success didn't come overnight. By targeting a niche global market, adopting robotics, and applying innovative solutions to the machine world -- long before the internet era -- they brought their ambitious vision to life. Today, ANCA continues to be driven by a culture of innovation, talent investment, and a commitment to "dreaming and having fun."

Celebrating Achievements

Patrick Boland OAM, who holds a Master's in Electrical Engineering from Melbourne University, is one of a handful of life members of the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL). He served as AMTIL's President from 2010 to 2016 and was a founding member of the Future Manufacturing Industry Innovation Council from 2008 to 2014.

Patrick McCluskey OAM, the practical and design-focused counterpart, began his career as an apprentice working on fuses and radios. Today, he leads the mechanical design of ANCA's advanced machines and mentors the engineering team, fostering the next generation of innovation. He also spearheads ANCA's apprenticeship program, emphasizing the company's commitment to skill development.

Pat and Pat with new ANCA technology

 

 

Recognition and Gratitude

"This is an incredible honor," said Patrick Boland. "I see it as recognition of the work ANCA has done over 50 years to sustain an advanced manufacturing business in Australia. By competing on smarts and riding the wave of technology, we've achieved an incredible journey filled with immense fun."

Patrick McCluskey added, "ANCA is my life, and this award validates the countless hours, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped our journey. I'm thrilled to have built a company of over 1,300 people recognized globally for its technology solutions. From apprentices to seasoned professionals, I'm grateful to have them as part of our team."

The awards coincide with ANCA's 50th anniversary and the co-founders' 75th birthdays.


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