A long-established family-owned mattress manufacturer in Australia, with a history spanning over a century, has entered voluntary administration, causing a somber atmosphere in the industry. The administration of A.H. Beard is now under the management of Peter Lucas and Damien Lau from P.A Lucas & Co, as confirmed in an official announcement.
The news hit hard for employees, with reports indicating that Garry Beard, the chairman, was visibly emotional while addressing the workforce at the company’s location in south-west Sydney. The company’s collapse has been attributed to various challenges, including a decline in consumer spending on non-essential items, escalating production expenses, and intense competition from lower-priced imported mattresses.
Expressing deep concern, the Australian Made Campaign voiced distress over the situation, with Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro describing it as a distressing and troubling development for Australia’s manufacturing sector. Lazzaro emphasized the significance of supporting locally-made products, highlighting A.H. Beard’s rich heritage of craftsmanship, innovation, and eco-friendliness.
In response to the unfolding events, the Australian Bedding Stewardship Council’s CEO, Kylie Roberts-Frost, lamented the situation as a “sad day for the industry.” She acknowledged A.H. Beard’s proactive environmental efforts and underscored the importance of their contributions to sustainable practices in the sector.
Despite the company’s move into administration, the multi-generational business is expected to continue operations while exploring alternative solutions. A.H. Beard, which employs approximately 340 individuals in Australia and an additional 34 in New Zealand, has been led by members of the Beard family, including Garry Beard, Allyn Beard, and Matthew Beard, who serves as the chief executive.
The company’s production output of up to 10,000 mattresses per week serves prominent retailers like David Jones, Myer, and Harvey Norman, reflecting its significant presence in the market.
