Family-owned mattress maker plunges into administration after 126 years | World | News
Mattress maker goes into administration (Image: Getty)
An Australian family-run mattress maker has gone into voluntary administration after more than a century, in a move branded a “sad day for the industry”.
Directors Peter Lucas and Damien Lau from PA Lucas & Co have been appointed to oversee the process at AH Beard, according to an official announcement.
The development was described as an emotional moment for staff, with chairman Garry Beard reportedly bursting into tears as he explained it to staff at the company’s south-west Sydney facility.
The collapse is thought to be caused by a combination of pressures, including reduced household non-essential spending, rising production costs and increased competition from low-priced imported mattresses.
The family-run Australian bed maker has gone into voluntary administration. (Image: Supplied)
The Australian Made Campaign said it was “deeply concerned” by the news, while chief executive Ben Lazzaro described the situation as “incredibly saddening and worrying for Australia’s manufacturing sector”.
“As a fifth-generation Australian-made business with over 125 years of history, AH Beard represents the best of local craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability,” Mr Lazzaro said.
“This highlights the increasing pressure on local producers due to rising costs and increased competition from imported goods.
“This is a timely reminder of why it is important to support Australian Made to protect local jobs, strengthen our industrial capacity and ensure iconic businesses like AH Beard can continue to thrive in the future.”
The company is more than 125 years old (Image: PROVIDED)
The industry response echoed these concerns, with Australian Mattress Stewardship Council chief executive Kylie Roberts-Frost calling it a “sad day for the industry”.
“The scheme to involve manufacturers in voluntary green measures (using recyclable materials and removing beds from landfill at the end of their life) would not exist without the voluntary efforts of AH Beard,” Ms Roberts-Frost said.
“Today’s news about AH Beard is deeply saddening for me personally, my team and our industry.
“What made this so hard to accept was that AH Beard were doing the right thing. They were investing in sustainability, supporting a management plan and taking responsibility for end-of-life at a time when many in the industry were not doing so.”
Although the fifth-generation company has gone into administration, it is expected to continue operating while options are explored. Approximately 340 personnel work in Australia and 34 in New Zealand.
The business is run by members of the Beard family, including Garry Beard, his brother Allyn, and Garry’s son Matthew, who serves as general manager.
AH Beard produces up to 10,000 beds each week, supplying major retailers such as David Jones, Myer and Harvey Norman.
