Locking down locally made

BLINDS BY PETER MEYER

Managing Director Simon Meyer says the company’s commitment to Australian Made product has positioned it well to deal with the Covid 19 crisis.

“Blinds by Peter Meyer has been manufacturing for the trade since 1987 and the vast majority of our products are made in our Homebush factory. We are seeing a lot of customers keen on buying Australian made products and many of our dealers are benefiting from using our products. We also import a fair amount of our raw materials from Europe. We did experience some issues with cost fluctuations, mainly due to currency drops and massive airfreight price rises. We had to think on our feet and change the way we were importing for a while, but at the moment things are back to normal and we are air freighting in goods from Weinor and Silent Gliss again.”

“At the end of the day we manufacture the majority of our products here in Australia from locally sourced components. Some components traditionally have been made in China but we are certainly keen to use more and more Australia made fabrics from suppliers like Wilson Fabrics and some from the Texstyle range.”

In terms of ensuring the authenticity of Australian made products and labelling, Meyer commented: “We all buy in a large proportion of our raw materials from overseas, but what is important is that the product is assembled here in Australia. I certainly wouldn’t consider a ready made blind that is cut to size here in Australia as being Australian made.” 

Meyer says while misleading advertising about Australian Made product continues to present challenges to industry, certain measures might be introduced to reinforce the authenticity of genuine locally made product.

“In regard to companies that engage in misleading advertising, I would suggest that there are standards that need to be enforced around ‘Australian Made’ claims, just as there are in the food industry.”

OZROLL

“We are generally used to the advantages of being an Australian manufacturer, however there is no doubt COVID-19 has magnified those benefits,” says Ozroll National Sales & Marketing Manager Jack McDonald. “I think control over the supply chain and ultimately control over quality and lead times are factors that have made Ozroll so successful over the last two decades. The biggest change we’re seeing in this space would be demand at a consumer level. Many of our distributors use local manufacturing as a point of sale, to win a job over imported products; however now end users appear to be seeking Aussie made from the get go.”

“We have been licenced with the official Australian Made kangaroo logo since before the crisis, but we have probably put more emphasis on utilising this recognisable symbol since. We are looking towards our R&D department to come up with a blind or shutter that repels the virus but no luck, as yet!”

McDonald describes responding to unscrupulous marketing of so-called Australian made product as “a constant battle”, whether it be the origin of products or the integrity of service promises.

“Having said that, we don’t spend a lot of time worrying about the opposition as we’re too busy focusing on doing what we do and doing it well. We do our best to make detailed information about our company accessible to the general public. Even though we are strictly wholesale, we make sure we have an online presence and industry associations that substantiate who we are and the way we operate. I think when consumers do their due diligence, as they often will these days, they can determine for themselves. I also think relying on initiatives like the Australian Made Campaign to review and award companies with a registered license is a step in the right direction.”

DECOR BLINDS

Decor Blinds Australia is now more than ever reaping the benefits of being committed to Australian manufacturing, says Director Frank Cairns, who adds that the unprecedented times Australia is currently facing as a nation have resulted in Australian consumers supporting their own country and demanding Australian made products.

“The market is prepared to pay a little more for high quality, locally made products.  It is not just about the benefit of having your window furnishings installed in a timely manner, it is also the complete lack of trust in overseas made products and the uncertainty of long delays at shipping ports, or the product being held up in customs, or not being delivered at all.  While price is important so are service, quality and longevity.”

“Fortunately, our industry has not been adversely affected by COVID-19.  The average family is staying safe at home and spending money in upgrades, refurbishing their homes for their own sense of comfort. To add value to our ‘safe place’, our home, in these stressful times, gives us a feeling of contentment. Our emotional well being is of the utmost importance.”

The company’s Thermalite Shutters continue to sell strongly, Cairns adds.

“Decor Blinds Australia has been manufacturing Thermalite Shutters for over 22 years since 1998.  We are constantly improving our product. Thermalite Plantation Shutters are custom made from dense polymer foam, which is a solid and non-toxic synthetic material. They are made from 100% renewable material. This means no natural resources are destroyed in the manufacturing process.”

“Thermalite is water resistant, fire retardant and provides 2-3 times the insulation of wood and vinyl shutters. This makes Thermalite Shutters ideal for a wide range of internal and external plantation shutter residential and commercial applications, from houses to units, townhouses, hotels, hospitals, resorts and restaurants.”

“The high quality painted finish on the Plantation Thermalite Shutters ensures they won’t yellow like other shutters. They also require no tilt rod or controls, which often malfunction and require repair.

Our Thermalite Shutters are made in Australia and every Plantation Shutter is manufactured in the factory here in Queensland.”

Each Thermalite Plantation Shutter comes with a 25 year transferable warranty and a paint finish that will last for five years. Shutters can be custom made to fit any window or door, and come in a range of styles including fixed, hinged, sliding and bi-fold. Thermalite Plantation Shutters also feature elliptical louvers available in widths ranging from 64 to 90 mm.

“The window covering industry can do its part in these troubled times by promoting Australian made Products, employing more Australians and keeping the profits in Australia,” says Cairns. “If we all do this, then cash flow will increase and profits will grow therefore everyone will benefit.”

“If you are interested in offering a superior Plantation Shutter, manufactured in our Brisbane factory in just 15 working days, to your customers, and would like to find out more about our Australian Made Thermalite Shutters, or if you are interested in manufacturing your own Australian Made Thermalite Shutter please contact us.”

WILSON FABRICS

“We have been manufacturing locally for decades; it allows us to have full control of quality and supply chain,” says Wilson Fabrics CEO Chris Sencek. “Being in stock right now has never been so important with the uncertainty globally, especially in China with a potential trade war looming. We have seen an incredible surge in customer demand for locally made product, which is very encouraging.”

“In addition, in the face of the current COVID-19 crisis, I get the sense that our customers feel compelled to support Australian Made products and therefore the Australian economy and job market.” 

“We have always felt that being Australian Made was an advantage and part of our DNA, so we have always used our original Australian made story in our communication. However, it is undeniable that being Australian made is a competitive advantage now perceived by most of our audience. We are certified Australian Made and Owned by the Australian Made Campaign Limited and therefore have the right to use the high profile green and gold logo on our marketing material, and we have been doing so without a miss. It is recognised and loved by everyone we interact with.”

“We are proudly Australian, we love our country and in the face of the current crisis we feel that it needs more love and support than ever. For this reason we dedicated our new range to some of the most stunning and breathtaking locations in the country.”

In terms of unscrupulous marketing of so-called Australian made product that is not always fully Australian made, he comments: “A way around this to have all companies producing products being marketed as Australian made sign up to the by Australian Made Campaign Limited. And by doing this you are legally bound to promote accordingly.  Otherwise it is very difficult to govern and everyone has their own interpretation of what is Australian made.”

 “As an industry that has a low barrier to entry it is quite difficult to stop unethical companies misleading consumers. Unless there is legislation in place at the highest level this would be hard to control. I hope that given what has transpired over the last six months with COVID-19 there are solutions put in place to protect local manufacturers and local jobs.”

ZIPTRACK

“Being an Australian owned, designed, and manufactured product is important to Ziptrak,”  says Managing Director Marc de Maaijer. “The engineering and procurement teams always work closely with local suppliers to bring a great product to the market for consumers. Ziptrak performs research with Australian suppliers, and these partnerships during uncertain times like this have allowed Ziptrak to react quickly to fluctuating demand and modify production quantities where required.”

He describes Ziptrak’s Australian supply chain as having been “pivotal” in its ability to continue manufacturing and distributing Ziptrak products, not just to their Australian network but also worldwide.

“As export markets open one by one and surges in demand are experienced, Ziptrak is capable of quickly adjusting internal production levels and building stock as well as communicating its requirements to our Australian suppliers.”

“For the Ziptrak network, every effort is made with these partnerships to absorb costs and increase deliveries in an effort to support the recovery and continued growth of businesses in its network, as well as providing them with certainty and the quality of proudly Australian made products.”

“Ziptrak has also been working closely with distribution partner, Nolan Group, adapting to the daily changing circumstances that impact the logistics and transit within states and overseas and ensuring continuity of business through the current general situation.”

In terms of advertising and promotional activities, Ziptrak has kept the focus of its messages on innovation, rather than the crisis, adapting quickly to the new circumstances, listening to customers and showcasing the value of being a 100% Australian owned and operated company. 

“We’ve concentrated efforts on investing in the re-development and improvement of the various digital and physical marketing tools and channels available to clients, adjusting to the current needs of the market.”

Ziptrak’s Find a Retailer is being improved with a ‘Contact a Retailer’ tool that will generate quality leads for retailers and allow consumers to provide specific details and requirements for their outdoor space for a quicker, smoother and easier transaction process. Meanwhile the release of the new Ziptrak Outdoor catalogue and the enhancement of the Ziptrak website through the ‘Design your Blind’ page assist retailers in the sales process, reducing the time spent on-site and face-to-face during quoting and installation. It also provides consumers with an easier way to understand the options available and safely acquire Ziptrak products without compromising their safety and wellbeing.

“Distributors, fabricators, retailers and installers are benefiting from a re-designed Ziptrak Trade Hub online platform, making it easier to access technical knowledge, training and marketing support tools.”

The integrity of Australian made product has grown in importance in recent times, he adds. “Ziptrak takes honesty and transparency very seriously and treasures the rights of Australian consumers to be provided with information that is correct and truthful. However, instead of pointing out others, Ziptrak focuses its message on our proud origins as a South Australian family owned and operated enterprise. We take pride in our business model supporting a growing network of local businesses including fabricators, retailers and installers all over Australia.”

“Ziptrak is committed to providing customers with all the information they need to make a valued and informed purchase decision. Ziptrak believes in empowering its customers and knows that it is up to them to make the last call and judgement when obtaining a product or service. Ziptrak will continue focusing its message and efforts on innovation and product R&D which are embedded in the DNA of this proud Australian company.

“It is in times like these that drive home the importance of manufacturing locally, which as a consequence means that the future of Australian manufacturing looks very rosy indeed! It is therefore appropriate that Ziptrak will start construction of a purpose-designed new factory complex of some 3500m² in Adelaide which will be completed in June 2021. This also means that in times like these when demand is unexpectedly going through the roof and overseas supply lines are stagnant, we at Ziptrak can rest easy in the knowledge that supplies are just around the corner.

Shann Group takes on stage 4 lockdown 

Commenting on Melbourne’s Stage 4 Lockdown, Martin O’Shannassy, Managing Director of The Shann Group, describes the company as being in “a very fortunate position relative to many other companies” in the Victorian capital.

“Due to our diversity of products, a large number of which are used in essential services either as a finished product or raw material, we continue to trade in our Melbourne operations. For example, we were already selling disposable face masks and pretty much all the componentry in cloth face masks such as the elastic, thread, various fabrics and the PP non-woven. As well as these products, many of our customers manufacture items for essential services.”

“Our national footprint, with offices and warehouses in all mainland states as well as New Zealand, has meant that the majority of the company’s sales have not been impacted. It’s still early days, but thus far Victorian sales are running at about 40-50% of normal, which is probably reflective of the percentage of our accounts that are fully closed.”

“Hence, the impact on our business has been far less than it may be for many other companies. The majority of our Victorian staff, barring the warehouse, are working from home as many already were. It’s not ideal but these are difficult times and hopefully it’s only for a finite period of some weeks.”

Local hero: Remlap Tracking 

Remlap Tracking in South Australia continues to offer strongly differentiated Australian Made product to the market.

The company has been producing motorised tracking in a range of colours from Black or White to Birch, Café Pearl, Platypus and Metallic for six months now. It has also been supplying White tracking in 7.4 metre lengths for two years.

“That’s just the start of the difference,” says Director Sue Palmer. “We spent 10 months designing a motorised track with no visible pulleys on the ends, which also allows us to have mitred ends like all our other profiles; no ugly plastic pulley on the end. Two tracks can be mitred together forwards or backwards for a seamless flow of the track around the room.”

“One, two or more motors can be positioned anywhere along the track to the customer’s design.

We have one at the moment where one section of the track is motorised and the other part is hand drawn. This usually requires two separate track sections. We have also designed the track to fit our existing bracket system, for the easiest installation possible.”

“Remlap Tracking has been innovating with a number of new ideas over the years. This latest one we are quite proud of.”