Ross McCann: Manufacturing Hall of Fame Honour Roll

We are very pleased to announce that last night, the Victorian Government in partnership with the Victorian Industry Manufacturing Council, selected PACIA President and Executive Chairman of Qenos, Ross McCann for his outstanding contributions to sustained manufacturing excellence in Victoria for inclusion on the Manufacturing Hall of Fame Honour Roll.

This is excellent recognition for Ross’ many years of hard work and contribution to the development of the chemicals and plastics industry in Australia. It is also recognition of the significant contribution made by the chemicals and plastics industry to Victoria and to Australia.

The Victorian Government in partnership with the Victorian Industry Manufacturing Council, selects individuals or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to sustained manufacturing excellence in Victoria for inclusion on the Manufacturing Hall of Fame Honour Roll.

The Victorian Government in partnership with the Victorian Industry Manufacturing Council, selects individuals or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to sustained manufacturing excellence in Victoria for inclusion on the Manufacturing Hall of Fame Honour Roll.

Ross McCann is one of just three 2010 Honourees.

Ross McCann

Throughout his illustrious career, Ross McCann has facilitated the chemicals and plastics manufacturing industry to achieve its vision of being a vibrant and sustainable industry within Victoria and Australia.

After graduating the University of New South Wales with Honours in Chemical Engineering in 1969, Ross commenced his career within the chemicals and plastics industry. He spent 25 years in management based roles at ICI Australia across operations, business development, projects and also in leading business units.

Time spent as a member of the Executive Committee of WMC Resources Ltd provided Ross with the opportunity to undertake major project management both within Australia and overseas. During this period, he was the driving force behind the major expansion of the Olympic Dam copper and uranium complex in South Australia and also aided in the development of the Phosphate Hill chemical and fertiliser complex in central Queensland.

Following his role at WMC Resources Ltd, Ross accepted a position as CEO at Qenos, the sole manufacturer of polyethylene in Australia. He remained in this role for seven years before recently being appointed as Executive Chairman. Throughout his time at Qenos, Ross has achieved significant outcomes and has overseen further development and consolidation of the company to become a vibrant and vital link in Australian petrochemical manufacturing.

In March 2008, he joined the Board at PACIA, the Plastic Chemicals Industry Association and seven months later, Ross was appointed President at the organisations AGM. Under this leadership, the chemicals and plastics sector has benefited from his enormous energy and enthusiasm which has been focused on delivering tangible outcomes for the manufacturing industry through broad networks across industry, government and research institutions.

Through effective partnerships between PACIA and the Victorian government including the EPA, Sustainability Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Ross has promoted Sustainability Leadership among PACIA members. This has seen the development of strategies, materials and services that deliver economic value for the manufacturing sector, while at the same time delivering environmental and social outcomes.

Furthermore, under the leadership of Ross, collaboration between PACIA and the government has led to the delivery of sound and efficient regulatory reform. This reform has reduced the complexity of existing frameworks, while cutting costs associated with inefficient regulation both for the manufacturing industry and for the government.

Currently, Ross is utilising his role as President of PACIA to introduce innovative thinking in order to deliver tangible benefits to members businesses. He is also continuing his tenure as Executive Chairman at Qenos and will strive to further improve the company’s position in the Australian petrochemical industry.

• For more information visit the Business Victoria website, click here.