An Australian family-run mattress maker has entered voluntary administration after more than a century in a move that has been branded a "sad day for the industry".
Administrators Peter Lucas and Damien Lau of P.A Lucas & Co have been appointed to oversee the process at A.H. Beard, according to a formal notice.
The development was described as an emotional moment for staff, with reports that chairman Garry Beard in tears while telling staff at the company’s southwest Sydney facility.
The collapse has been attributed to a combination of pressures, including reduced household spending on non-essential items, increasing production costs and growing competition from lower-priced imported mattresses.
The Australian Made Campaign said it was “deeply concerned” by the news, with its Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro describing the situation as “incredibly sad and concerning for Australia’s manufacturing sector”.
“As a fifth-generation Australian-made business with more than 125 years of history, A.H. Beard represents the very best of local craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability,” Mr. Lazzaro said.
“This situation highlights the growing strain on local manufacturers from rising costs and increased competition from imported goods.
“It’s a timely reminder of why supporting Australian Made matters – to protect local jobs, strengthen our industrial capability, and ensure iconic businesses like A.H. Beard can continue to thrive into the future.”
Industry reaction echoed those concerns, with Australian Bedding Stewardship Council chief executive Kylie Roberts-Frost calling it a “sad day for the industry”.
“The scheme of getting manufacturers on board with voluntary green measures – using recyclable materials and getting beds out of landfills at the end of its life cycle – would not exist were it not for the voluntary efforts of A.H. Beard,” Ms Roberts-Frost said.
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
