In a moment of pride for Australian industry and the global manufacturing community, ANCA CNC Machines’ visionary co-founders, Pat Boland and Pat McCluskey, were conferred the prestigious Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). The honour was presented at an Investiture Ceremony at Government House, Victoria, by Her Excellency, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to manufacturing.
50 Years of Shaping the Future of Cutting Tools: What is ANCA?
Established in 1974 in Melbourne, ANCA CNC Machines has become a global leader in advanced CNC grinding machines, particularly for the cutting tool industry. Over the past five decades, ANCA has revolutionized tool manufacturing with its commitment to innovation, automation, and precision engineering. From humble beginnings in a small Melbourne garage, the company now exports to over 45 countries and has a strong presence across Europe, North America, and Asia.
ANCA’s journey is a remarkable example of Australian engineering excellence. Over the last 50 years, the company has introduced several industry-firsts, including the world’s first tool digitising probe and full 3D tool simulation software. Its solutions are now integral to sectors ranging from automotive and aerospace to medical device manufacturing.
Meet the Minds of ANCA: Pat Boland and Pat McCluskey
ANCA‘s story is inseparable from its founders’ story – two engineers with distinct strengths and a shared vision. Pat Boland, an electrical engineer, brought academic insight and systems understanding, while Pat McCluskey, a hands-on mechanical designer, infused practical ingenuity into machine design. Together, they crafted a company culture of excellence, problem-solving, and customer focus.
Their Medal of the Order of Australia is a personal honour and a recognition of how Australian entrepreneurship and technological innovation can transform global industries. The duo’s relentless pursuit of excellence and contribution to the global cutting tool industry continue to inspire engineers, entrepreneurs, and technologists worldwide.
Today, ANCA operates facilities in the UK, Germany, the USA, China, Thailand, Brazil, and India, serving some of the world’s most advanced manufacturers. Yet, its heart remains firmly in Melbourne, where innovation continues to drive its journey into the next 50 years. As ANCA celebrates 50 years of innovation, the recognition of its founders with the Order of Australia is a fitting tribute to their enduring legacy and the incredible impact they have made on manufacturing in Australia and around the world.
