Quality, service and partnership

TBS (Track and Blind Solutions) was founded in 2008 by four shareholders who saw a gap in the market for a reliable, trade-only manufacturer that understood the needs of the window furnishings industry. 

Since those early days, the company has always been guided by a core principle, owner and Managing Director Craig Foster tells WFA.

“From the very beginning, the business was built on a customer-first approach, placing quality, reliability, and service at the heart of everything we do,” Foster says, adding that the company’s direction was given fresh impetus in 2023, when he secured the opportunity to purchase the business and become its sole owner.

“That moment was both a personal milestone and a pivotal chapter in the TBS journey. It allowed me to sharpen our focus, invest further in innovation and scale the business with a clear vision for the future.”

That vision has continued to evolve as the TBS product range has expanded over the years – encompassing external blinds, folding arm awnings, plantation shutters, roller blinds, and curtains.

However, the company has never lost sight of its origins,” he says. 

“We are, first and foremost a manufacturer of high-quality, made-to-measure curtain tracking systems, and that specialisation continues to be a defining part of our identity.”

A partner to customers

It’s not product alone that forms TBS’ point of difference, however. 

“What sets TBS apart is our commitment to being more than just a supplier. We’re a true partner to our customers. Whether it’s through our precision manufacturing, fast lead times, or technical support, everything we do is designed to make life easier for the retailers, builders, designers, and developers we serve.”

“From humble beginnings and now with a growing footprint across Victoria and Queensland, our journey has been shaped by one guiding principle: put the customer first, and success will follow.”

“As a wholesale-only business, our sole focus is helping our retail partners succeed. We don’t compete with them; we support them. We operate as an extension of their team, with the systems, products and people that help them deliver exceptional results, job after job.”

“From customisation and product innovation to dependable lead times and technical support, we’re with our customers every step of the way. We understand that they’re only as good as the suppliers behind them, so we invest heavily in being the kind of partner that builds trust, earns loyalty, and contributes to their growth.”

“At TBS, customer service is about delivering a reliable, responsive experience that gives our customers confidence, from the moment they place an order to the final installation on site.”

“We focus on clear communication, timely updates, and practical, solutions-based support. Whether it’s a technical query, a delivery ETA, or assistance with product selection, our team is committed to providing accurate answers and proactive service that helps our customers keep their projects on track.”

“We’re just a phone call away. When our customers need help, they get straight through to someone who knows the product and is ready to assist.”

“Consistency is key. We’ve built systems to ensure enquiries are followed through, orders are managed with care, and every touch point reflects the professional standards our clients expect.”

Understanding the market

Foster notes that understanding how the market is moving is key to TBS’ staying power. 

“At TBS, we’re not interested in being the biggest; we’re committed to being the most respected. That means delivering consistent quality, staying ahead of trends in design and automation, and continuing to evolve with the needs of the modern project, whether that’s a single residence or a large-scale commercial development.”

“In 2025, one of the most influential trends in the window furnishings space is the growing demand for smart automation. This is  increasingly seen not just as a luxury, but as an expectation. Consumers are no longer just seeking great-looking products; they want smart, seamless control over their environment. As a result, direct integration into Matter or their existing Wi-Fi network is quickly becoming a must-have feature.

“TBS has invested heavily in staying ahead of this shift, delivering one of the most comprehensive automation ranges in the Australian market. Our offering includes three wire-free tubular motors (1.1Nm, 2.0Nm, and 6Nm), internal and external AC-powered tubular motors, a wire-free DC curtain motor, and an ultra-powerful AC curtain motor capable of pulling up to 100kg — more than any other curtain motor available.”

The company has also made critical advances in smart connectivity.

“Our motors are either Matter and/or Wi-Fi enabled, allowing them to connect directly to the end user’s home network or smart home ecosystem, with no hub required. This simplifies set-up and enables control via the TBS App, as well as major platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings. 

“It means users can manage their window furnishings and other Matter compatible devices through voice control, automation scenes, or scheduled routines; all without needing to download multiple apps or invest in extra hardware.

“For our retailers, this offers a significant commercial advantage. They can now provide their clients with plug-and-play automation and Matter compatibility at no additional cost, transforming what was once a costly upsell into a seamless, value-adding feature.

In embracing the Matter standard, developed by industry giants like Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung, TBS is ensuring our automation products are future-proof as well as universally compatible and incredibly easy to use.

“We are still able to deliver on connectivity to Control 4, Crestron, Crestron Home, Elan through pre-written drivers in our TBS Hub.

“Ultimately, we see this as more than just a tech upgrade – it’s a shift in how people interact with their spaces. And we’re proud to give our partners the tools to lead that change with confidence.”

TBS’ commitment to supporting retailers to deliver quality, consistency, and innovation to our customers starts with product. Our internal and external shading solutions,  from our extensive range of curtain tracking systems, roller blinds, plantation shutters – Allure Breeze to folding arm awnings and automated zip screens – are engineered for performance, backed by robust quality control, and built to meet the design, durability, and technical demands of modern projects.

Equally importantly, we back those products with support:

• Automation-ready solutions: We give our partners the tools to upsell smart automation with ease, in the form of connectivity to Wi-Fi and Matter ecosystems out of the box.

• Dedicated customer service: Our team is known for being proactive and responsive. When our customers need answers – whether it’s lead times, troubleshooting, or product advice – we move quickly and communicate clearly.

• Reliable lead times: Our systems are built for consistency. We work hard to give our customers confidence in when products will arrive, especially on time-critical jobs.

• Marketing support: We help our partners position and present products to the end customer with clarity – including up-to-date spec sheets, swatch books, and brochures.

• On-site training and technical advice: When needed, we offer guidance on installation, motor setup, or project-specific solutions.

Sustainability

“At TBS, we believe sustainability is about making practical, long-term choices that reduce environmental impact while maintaining quality, performance, and design,” says Foster.

“Our range of external awnings plays a key role in supporting energy efficiency. By stopping heat before it reaches the glass, these systems significantly reduce the need for air conditioning, especially in apartments and homes exposed to strong sun, helping to lower cooling costs and improve overall thermal performance.

“We also offer a range of PVC-free and VOC-free roller blind fabrics, providing healthier, low-emission options that align with green building standards and the expectations of environmentally conscious clients.

“Sustainability also extends into how we operate. Our production workflow is designed for efficiency, helping us minimise offcuts, reduce material waste, and streamline order fulfilment. It means less waste going to landfill and a more considered use of resources throughout the manufacturing process.

Foster adds that TBS is an active member of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), which supports businesses in reducing packaging waste and transitioning to more sustainable, recyclable materials. 

“Through APCO, we’re continuously reviewing our packaging practices to support a circular economy. From product development to packaging, we’re focused on giving our customers smarter, cleaner, and more efficient solutions they can stand behind.”

Forward strategy

Foster notes that like many businesses in the construction and manufacturing space, the past few years have come with their fair share of challenges, from supply chain disruptions and freight delays to shifting market expectations and cost pressures.

“But rather than retreat, we chose to lean in and evolve,” he says.

“One of the biggest shifts has been the deliberate expansion of our product offering, particularly in the automation and external shading space. As the market moves toward smarter, more energy-efficient solutions, we saw an opportunity to lead by curating a comprehensive, suite of products that gives our customers confidence across a wide range of applications.

“At the same time, we’ve focused on expanding our footprint beyond our original markets, particularly into South East Queensland. Launching into a new territory from the ground up, with no established revenue base, requires the right team, local knowledge, and a service mindset that earns trust quickly. 

“We’ve built our presence methodically, appointing experienced people, investing in infrastructure, and ensuring our operations can deliver to the same standard our customers expect nationally.

“Growth in any environment is never without its hurdles,” Foster notes. “But by staying clear on our values, backing our customers and continually refining how we operate, we’ve been able to turn challenge into momentum

“While navigating the day-to-day challenges, I also saw a clear opportunity to expand our reach and offering. That led to our move into South East Queensland, a market with enormous potential and growing demand for high-quality, trade-focused window furnishings. Starting from zero, we’ve steadily built our presence there, investing in local operations, appointing the right people, and earning trust with our customers.

“At the same time, we launched new product ranges such as Allure Breeze, and expanded into external awnings, responding to market demand for energy efficiency, automation and architectural flexibility.

Foster emphasises that as the company has grown and diversified, it has stayed anchored to its roots in made-to-measure curtain tracks. 

“It’s a category where we’ve built a reputation for precision, reliability, and consistency, and we’ve made sure that focus hasn’t shifted as we’ve scaled the business.

Looking to the future, Foster believes the Australian window furnishings industry is entering a period of rapid evolution, for which the company is well positioned.

“Over the next five years, we expect strong growth in smart automation, increased emphasis on energy-efficient design, and higher expectations around customisation and lead times, driven by changes in consumer behaviour, sustainability regulations and the growing integration of window furnishings into broader architectural and automation strategies.

“We’re actively investing in the next generation of automated shading solutions, including motors that connect directly to Matter and Wi-Fi ecosystems without the need for a hub. This makes automation more accessible and user-friendly, giving our partners a serious edge when it comes to upselling smart products.

“In parallel, we’ve expanded our product range to include external awnings, and a broader suite of energy-efficient options that align with the priorities of today’s residential and commercial projects.

“To support this growth, we’re also upgrading our equipment, machinery, and software systems, ensuring we can deliver higher precision, better consistency, and faster throughput across every part of the business. These investments designed to expand capacity as well as drive innovation, improve accuracy, and give our customers an even more dependable experience.”

Through all of this, TBS remains committed to what has always set it apart, he says – a focus on quality, service and partnership, Foster concludes: “Whether it’s a made-to-measure curtain track or a fully integrated automation solution, we’re building a business that’s ready for what’s next, and helping our customers do the same.”