Australian family-run mattress manufacturer A.H. Beard has entered voluntary administration after more than 126 years in business, in a move described as a “sad day for the industry”. Administrators Peter Lucas and Damien Lau of P.A Lucas & Co have been appointed to oversee the process, according to a formal notice.
The collapse has been attributed to reduced household spending on non-essential items, rising production costs, and growing competition from cheaper imported mattresses. Chairman Garry Beard was reportedly in tears while informing staff at the company’s southwest Sydney facility.
The Australian Made Campaign expressed deep concern, with chief executive Ben Lazzaro calling it “incredibly sad and concerning for Australia’s manufacturing sector”. He said: “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.”
Australian Bedding Stewardship Council chief executive Kylie Roberts-Frost said the company had been a leader in voluntary green measures, including using recyclable materials and keeping beds out of landfills. “Today’s news about A.H. Beard is deeply saddening,” she said.
The fifth-generation company, which employs around 340 staff in Australia and 34 in New Zealand, is expected to continue operating while options are explored. It produces up to 10,000 mattresses each week and supplies major retailers including David Jones, Myer and Harvey Norman.
