The History of A.H. Beard
In 1899 Enoch William Beard began making hand made straw palliasses and hand tufted horse hair mattresses under the name of "The Australian Bedding Mill". In the year 1926 the factory was ruined by a fire, and due to the high combustibility of the raw materials used, the factory burnt to the ground. Enoch unfortunately did not believe in insurance and was therefore only left with a small amount of savings in the bank.
Enoch had three sons, Enoch Junior, George and Albert, all of whom were involved in the day to day running of the family business. Unfortunately, Enoch Junior and George died at an early age in life and when "The Australian Bedding Mill" burnt to the ground, Enoch gave his remaining son Albert, a half gold sovereign from his savings, with which Albert bought black and white striped ticking, flock, kapok and horse hair, and with the assistance of his wife Ada, began hand sewing mattresses.
Albert's new venture A.H.Beard Pty Ltd, quickly developed an enviable reputation for the quality of its hand made mattresses, and sales expanded rapidly. In 1946, Albert's only son Austin, joined the Company to help carry on the family tradition. In the years that followed, A.H.Beard continued to grow and developed a reputation for making quality, hand crafted beds supported by excellent after sales service.
The tradition which Enoch began in 1899 is today being carried on by Austin's two sons Garry and Allyn (Enoch's great grandsons). The company has grown to become one of the largest bedding manufacturers in Australia and now distributes beds throughout Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Region.
Enoch would be very proud if he could see the results of what he began over one hundred years ago.
The Company Today
A.H.Beard was originally located in the suburb of San Souci. Due to the acquisition of the prestigious bedding brand, Domino, A.H.Beard re-located to a larger plant in order to manage production levels and the steady growth of the business. Currently, A.H.Beard's Head Office and manufacturing unit is at Padstow, located in South-West of Sydney, Australia.
In recent times, A.H.Beard has experienced immense growth. As a result, they now supply a selection of prestigious retailers with their products, who sell direct to the consumer. Annually, A.H.Beard produces approximately 200,000 beds; this year, A.H.Beard will manufacture its five millionth bed.
Technological advancements in production techniques and materials has resulted in A.H.Beard being a main competitor within the bedding industry. By utilising superior production methods and materials, A.H.Beard is able to offer their consumers prestigious and superior quality beds.
A.H.Beard utilises various materials used in production that produce the best possible comfort levels and support. Materials such as latex and Thermolastic foam have escalated the quality of beds. Thermo-lastic foam is slow recovering temperature sensitive foam. Additionally, Sapsa and L.F.I latex is used on specific bedding ranges, such as Natures Rest.
A.H.Beard was the first company in Australia to release a one sided range, using indulgence foam plus, otherwise known as viscoelastic foam.
As well as servicing the domestic markets that are situated across Australia and New Zealand; A.H.Beard has also recently undertaken major commercial contracts. Some of which include, the Hilton, Hyatt, ANA Hotel, Star City, Peppers Style Resorts, Moonah Links Resort and Tasmanian Ferries.
A.H.Beard is extremely proud of the family history, value and integrity that have sculpted the company over the years; the core values for growth in the future have been modeled on the integrity of the past. Currently, A.H.Beard combines traditional and contemporary technologies, to produce the best possible quality bed.
Testimonials
"We are very happy with our new bed. My husband suffers from back ache and found it hard to be comfortable in our previous bed. The morning we woke up after the first night in our new bed he said 'its strange, I was waiting for something to ache and it does not.' This bed is so comfortable and I find when I get into it in the evening I am comfortable immediately and don't have to move around to find a comfortable position. There is almost a feeling of weightlessness"
C. Gregson, VIC
"The first night on my new bed I slept for 15 hours, and I actually for once in many years could sleep on my side again, with no springs digging into my back. Thank you for the opportunity to purchase this beautiful, comfortable mattress."
V. Maher, Biggera Waters QLD
"DMM are pleased with A. H. Beard's efforts to ensure the supply and installation of 576 king single beds for the soldiers in particular, and would also like to commend the personal management of the project ."
K. Sweeten. Defence Maintenance Management, Moorebank, NSW
"The bed itself!!! Oh-My-God. I now own the worlds best bed - I cant thank you enough. I have the terminal disease Systemic Lupus and my joints and muscles are crying out in delight!"
L. Black
"It's clear that A. H Beard Pty Ltd not only makes a fantastic bed, but have outstanding after sales service to match. Congratulations folk, service of this calibre are sadly very difficult to find elsewhere."
R. Stweart, Narrabri, NSW
"Congratulations with 100 years of successful manufacturing and marketing of the most comfortable beds in Australia ! We wish you many more years to come in this new millennium"
Luc Clarys. President, Clama Mattress Ticking.
"As a family business you do it proud and with your approach I am sure you will be around for another 100 years. We will have no hesitation in recommending your bed to our friends and anticipate being loyal customers in the future"
G. Ulbrick & P. Hatfield, Breakfast Point, NSW
"I suffer from severe arthritis in some of my joints and needed a bed of excellent quality to give me the support needed. The bed I purchased is by far the best bed I have ever slept in. I rest better at night time"
W. Haile, Ermington, NSW
" I am writing to express our sincere gratitude for your generous gift of ensembles following the loss of our home in the recent Canberra bushfires. You have supported us during this difficult time. It is the Australian way and its great to be Australian."
B & P Stubbing. Eppaock, Duffy ACT
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generous gift of eight mattresses. We are indebted to you for your kindness and generosity."
R. Dunkerley. Wesley Furniture Warehouse
A.H. Beard Company History
Originally, A.H.Beard solely manufactured and traded their bedding brand. However, with industry experience, substantial growth and time they began to develop and evolve as a company.
As a result of growth, A. H Beard began manufacturing under license as a form of diversification. The first licensing agreement was established in 1986, with King Koil. Soon after in 1994, Silentnight Beds were also acquired via a licensing agreement. Most recently, Restonic and Eclipse have been manufactured under licensing agreements.
A.H.Beard not only operates under licensing agreements, but also owns brands such as: A.H.Beard, Domino, Stylemaster, Supporta, Health Rest, and Rest Assured.
Beard Family History
Enoch William Beard migrated from Manchester, England, in the late 1800's. The exact year of migration is unsure, as the relevant documentation was destroyed in the fire that occurred in 1926. He arrived here with few monuments from home, some which included a replica mantle clock of St. Paul's Cathedral in Paris; and two chairs. These artefacts are held in the Managing Director's office. They hold great significance and historical value.
There is a plethora of history within A.H.Beard; as such Enoch's original patent documents are located in the National Archives of Australia. Enoch crafted an invention that was used for teasing Kapok and for stuffing casings therewith.
Since such time, the Beard families have continued to develop the business, incorporating the historical prosperity of the past, with the contemporary management and production styles of today.
100 Years History in Bedding
In 1999 A.H.Beard celebrated their 100th year of operation. A.H.Beard received many commendations and congratulatory messages from famous Australians.
"It gives me great pleasure to send my warmest greetings to A.H.Beard Pty Ltd on the occasion of the 100th Birthday of this Australian family business. Family businesses form the backbone of Australian industry. I understand that A.H.Beard was set up in 1899 and is Australia's oldest bedding manufacturer. Their story is an encouraging tale of success, as this fourth generation family company survived a devastating factory fire in the 1920s to become one of the largest bedding manufacturers in Australia. The Beard family's commitment to Australian industry and the Australian work force is evidenced by the fact that after 100 years of operation it remains a 100% Australian owned and operated company, employing Australians and buying raw materials wherever possible from other Australian companies. Their continuing investment, not only in state-of-the-art equipment, but also in staff training and development, has resulted in the company winning various awards, including the 1977 NSW Employer of the Year and the Furniture Industry Association of Australia's Best Product of the Year for five years running. I understand also that Allyn and Garry Beard won the Business Sydney CEO Award for 1998, and I congratulate them for their outstanding efforts. I wish Allyn and Garry Beard, their families and their employees all the best for their success to date and your contribution and commitment to the Australian community."
John Howard, Prime Minister
"As Premier of New South Wales, it is with great pleasure that I commend A.H.Beard Pty Ltd on reaching their 100th Anniversary. Over four generations of the Beard Family has ensured the continued growth of this Australian company. The commitment to quality shown by A.H.Beard Pty Ltd has established it as one of Australia's largest bedding manufacturers. The Company has not only supported local industry but has also provided employment for many Australians over a number of decades.
Congratulations on your outstanding achievements."
Bob Carr, Premier NSW
"I am delighted to extend my congratulations to A.H.Beard on the celebration of their 100 years of manufacturing bedding in Australia. It is sometimes said that those people who remember and mark their history are destined to have a longer future than those who do not. The forebears of the current owners and Managers would be as proud as any other Australian with the legacy that has been created, which is of an outstanding family enterprise that will move into the next millennium proud of its past and confident of its future."
Roderick H McGeoch AM LLB
"All Australians admire a sound family business, and all Australians appreciate restful sleeping. So I am delighted to have the opportunity of praising a family business which has promoted restful sleeping for a century, through the manufacture of first-quality bedding. May A.H.Beard Pty Ltd continue to prosper, and I am confident that the second century of this Australian commercial icon will be even more impressive than the first."
Alan Jones, 2GB
"It gives me much pleasure to pass on my warmest congratulations on the occasion of your 100th anniversary. This is certainly a fantastic milestone and a great achievement. I commend both the management and staff that have contributed many years of hard work to the company. Congratulations! I wish you many more prosperous years of business in the future.
Keep the dream alive"
John Laws CBE, 2UE
"On behalf of the National Furnishing Industry Association of Australia I would like to congratulate A.H.Beard Pty Ltd on their forthcoming centenary. It is a remarkable achievement for any Australian company to remain in operation for this period. AH Beard's achievement is all the more notable as the company has continued to grow and develop as well. Now as one of the major suppliers of the bedding market the company is recognised Australia wide. It is all the more remarkable that it has remained a strong family company that is able to continually build on its existing knowledge and skills base. It is auspicious that AH Beard will be able to celebrate their centenary just prior to the new millennium. The association would like to wish AH Beard another 100 years as good as the first, as strong companies are the foundation stone of our future."
David Hoare, National President, Furnishing Industry Association of Australia
"One hundred years of manufacturing is a truly remarkable achievement, and on behalf of Westpac I should like to offer our congratulations on attaining this milestone in the history of your company. We at Westpac are proud of the long association with A.H.Beard Pty Ltd, and we hope it can continue for many more years.
Best wishes for continuing success."
Robert L.Joss, Managing Director & CEO, Westpac Banking Corp.
A Congratulatory Message from the Australian Spinal Research Foundation
"It is no mean feat in these difficult economic times for any manufacturing company to thrive and continue to be successful in distributing its products in the marketplace. A.H.Beard Pty Ltd, over four generations of family management, has accomplished this, 100 years of operation is worthy of recognition and on behalf of The Australian Spinal Research Foundation, I offer our congratulations on a 'job well done'. A.H.Beard has succeeded in continuing to grown through good and bad times over the past century. This has been achieved through the family's fierce pride in its product range. The quality of their product range reflects a century of endeavour in the pursuit of excellence and the Australian Spinal Research Foundation has been privileged to be associated with this company in its quest. It is this dedication to detail that has been inherited by the new generation of the Beard family that has perpetuated the growth of the company and the ASRF is privileged to be associated with the people and the organisation."
Lindsay R Collins, President