A family-owned Australian mattress manufacturer with a 126-year history has collapsed into voluntary administration. A.H. Beard chairman Garry Beard was visibly emotional on Tuesday as he informed staff of the company's uncertain future, as reported by the Daily Telegraph.
Impact on Workforce and Operations
The century-old business employs more than 340 staff, predominantly in Australia, with a smaller presence in New Zealand. At its peak, the company was capable of producing 10,000 mattresses per week. The collapse has been attributed to a decline in consumer spending, escalating manufacturing costs, and the widespread availability of cheaper imported mattresses.
Peter Lucas and Damien Lau, from P.A Lucas & Co, have been appointed as joint administrators. The company has stated it will continue trading as normal in Australia during the administration phase, with no immediate changes to the supply chain or roles.
Industry Reaction
Kylie Roberts-Frost, chief executive of the Australian Bedding Stewardship Council, expressed sadness over the news. 'Today's news about A.H. Beard is deeply saddening, both for me personally, for my team and for our industry,' she told the Daily Telegraph. '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.'
Reasons for Administration
A.H. Beard cited three converging pressures for entering administration: a sharp dip in household discretionary spending, a shift in the retail market towards low-cost imported mattresses, and increased manufacturing costs. The company has sold an estimated 10 million mattresses over its long history.
Historical Background
The company was founded in 1899 by Scotsman Enoch William Beard, who established The Australian Bedding Mill, producing handmade straw palliasses and tufted horsehair mattresses. In 1970, A.H. Beard introduced the King Koil range, marketed as the first chiropractic-approved mattress in Australia. Former Prime Minister John Howard opened A.H. Beard Bedding Stores in Shanghai as part of a supply agreement with retailer Shanghai Green Foreign Trade Ltd.
During the pandemic, A.H. Beard experienced extraordinary sales as work-from-home orders drove Australians to invest more in their bedrooms. In 2023, three A.H. Beard stores were opened in Hong Kong.
Leadership Transition
In July 2025, Garry's son Matthew was announced as the company's CEO. 'Matthew's leadership marks both a continuation of our family legacy and a bold step forward - bringing a younger generation's spirit and insight to address the evolving needs of our industry and customers,' the company stated at the time. 'With over 125 years of heritage, A.H. Beard remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and delivering trusted, Australian-made quality.'
The Daily Mail has contacted P.A Lucas & Co and A.H. Beard for comment.
