Mattress maker plunges into administration after 126 years despite supplying 10,000 a week

A century-old Australian family-owned mattress manufacturer has gone into voluntary administration in a development that has been labelled a "sad day for the industry". Administrators Peter Lucas and Damien Lau of P.A Lucas & Co have been appointed to manage proceedings at A.H. Beard, according to an official notice. The news proved an emotional blow for workers, with reports that chairman Garry Beard was in tears while addressing staff at the company's south-west Sydney site. The collapse has been blamed on a combination of mounting pressures, including a downturn in household spending on non-essential goods, rising production costs and fierce competition from cheaper imported mattresses. The Australian Made Campaign stated it was "deeply concerned" by the development, with Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro calling the situation "incredibly sad and concerning for Australia's manufacturing sector". "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," Mr Lazzaro said. "This situation highlights the growing strain on local manufacturers from rising costs and increased competition from imported goods. "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." The industry's response mirrored those worries, with Australian Bedding Stewardship Council chief executive Kylie Roberts-Frost describing it as a "sad day for the industry". "The scheme of getting manufacturers on board with voluntary green measures - using recyclable materials and getting beds out of landfills at the end of its life cycle - would not exist were it not for the voluntary efforts of A.H. Beard," Ms Roberts-Frost said. "Today's news about A.H. Beard is deeply saddening, both for me personally, for my team and for our industry. "What makes this so difficult to sit with is that A.H. Beard was doing the right thing. They were investing in sustainability, supporting a stewardship scheme, and taking responsibility for end-of-life at a time when many in the industry are not." Despite falling into administration, the fifth-generation firm is anticipated to keep trading while alternative solutions are considered. It employs around 340 staff in Australia and a further 34 in New Zealand. The company has been steered by members of the Beard family, amongst them Garry Beard, his brother Allyn, and Garry's son Matthew, who holds the position of chief executive. A.H. Beard manufactures up to 10,000 mattresses every week, supplying major retailers such as David Jones, Myer and Harvey Norman.