The collapse of storied mattress-maker A.H. Beard is “concerning” for the local manufacturing sector, and a wake-up call for domestic consumers, says the chief of the national green-and-gold Australian Made campaign.
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A.H. Beard, this week, appointed voluntary administrators, disrupting 126 years of family ownership and a manufacturing operation employing more than 370 staff across the country.
The business, now in the hands of administrators Peter Anthony Lucas and Damien Lee Hou Lau of P A Lucas & Co, is trading through the process.
In a statement, a company spokesperson said shrinking consumer budgets, surging manufacturing costs, and a shifting preference to cheaper, imported mattresses hurt the operation.
Ben Lazzarro, chief executive of the Australian Made Campaign, on Thursday called the administration “incredibly sad and concerning for Australia’s manufacturing sector”.
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It “highlights the growing strain on local manufacturers from rising costs and increased competition from imported goods,” he added.
A.H. Beard sports the green-and-gold Australian Made kangaroo logo on many of its products, and director Allyn Beard is a former chair of the Australian Made campaign.
When orders dry up
The comments echo those of A. H. Beard managing director Garry Beard, who told the Daily Telegraph that consumer uncertainty and rising input costs, caused by war in Iran and its effect on fuel prices, have rattled the historic business.
“As a made-to-order manufacturer, demand fluctuations can have an immediate impact on production,” he said.
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“When the orders don’t come in, it dries up our factory.”
Consumers are more likely to retain their old bed than upgrade while conditions are uncertain, Beard said, while budget-conscious consumers are also turning their sights to cheaper imports.
Buying local to prevent further collapses
With the business’ future yet to be determined, both Lazzarro and Beard implored Australian consumers to buy local, for the benefit of A.H. Beard and other manufacturers like it.
“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,” said Lazzaro.
“If Aussies get behind us and buy Aussie-made beds, we will survive,” said Beard.
The federal government has taken steps to advocate for more national pride at the checkout.
The Australian Made campaign’s ‘Made Right Here’ ad campaign is now in market, following a $20 million grant from the federal government.
A company report for the 2025 financial year, obtained by the Daily Telegraph, shows A.H. Beard sustained three straight years of pre-tax losses, after notching a $1.91 million profit in the 2022 financial year.
SmartCompany has contacted the administrators for comment.
