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Hunter Douglas has made two major announcements to the industry and customers with an investment in Wynstan, a leading Australian manufacturer, marketer and Shop-At-Home seller of custom window furnishings, and the closure of the Vertilux manufacturing facility in Keilor Park Victoria.
The announcements were both made on the same day, 20 May 2025, via email to industry members and customers.
In the first email, Ricardo Vasques, APAC CEO, Hunter Douglas, announced that Hunter Douglas had signed a definitive agreement to invest in Wynstan, subject to closing formalities.
“Australia remains a priority growth region for Hunter Douglas, and this investment aligns with our strategy to serve all segments of the window coverings market. As we do globally, the Shop-At-Home channel will be managed as a stand-alone business, separate from the Hunter Douglas business.”
“We see Wynstan as a complementary addition to the growing Hunter Douglas Group portfolio of uniquely positioned brands, each offering its own products and services for distinct channel segments. Together, these brands enable us to meet a diverse range of customer needs and better serve the Australian window coverings market.”
In the second email, Kane Fuessel, General Manager of Vertilux, said that as part of the company’s strategic journey towards becoming the fastest growing, most loved, and most efficient window coverings company globally, Hunter Douglas remains committed to enhancing operational efficiency through a best-in-class manufacturing model.
“Following an extensive review of our Australian footprint aimed at identifying the most effective manufacturing structure for scalability, quality control, and efficiency, we have made the considered decision to optimise our operations by leveraging our regional and international manufacturing capabilities,” Fuessel said.
“Consequently, we announce the transition of manufacturing operations from the Vertilux facility in Keilor Park to new supply arrangements involving our Sydney operations and overseas facilities. This transition is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2025.”
“We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition period, recognising the significant change this represents for our valued staff and customers. Vertilux has been proudly operating in Australia for over 45 years, leading the commercial specification market, consistently delivering products of exceptional quality, and we remain fully committed to maintaining these high standards throughout this transition and beyond.”
Fuessell said further updates regarding the new Melbourne Office location and integration processes will be provided soon. Hunter Douglas acquired Vertilux in 2018, who were widely regarded as the leading commercial window covering fabricator in Australia at the time. In 2017 Vertilux recorded sales of $32 million and employed 82 people. As part of that deal Hunter Douglas acquired Vertilux’s interest in Victory Curtains and Blinds.
You can read a Q&A with Ricardo Vasques and Window Furnishings Australia on these major announcements on Page 52.
