Room to grow brings Australian design leader under one roof

For the first time, bespoke Melbourne-based furniture designer Jardan is bringing all aspects of its manufacturing process under one roof at a purpose-built factory in Scoresby in Victoria that’s slated to open in early 2022.

The Australian, family-owned furniture business was founded in 1987, employs 170 staff and has showrooms around the country. The internationally recognised operation is owned and managed by brothers, Nick and Michael Garnham, and creative director Renee Garnham. It recently opened a new showroom in Perth.

Jardan’s new workspace streamlines their process for success.

The Jardan team works on major commercial and residential design projects around the world. In 2012, the business model changed from being purely wholesale to encompass a retail model too, working closely with designers and architects.

Now, the team is focused on its new facility at Scoresby, just another step in a long history that has seen Jardan outgrow numerous industrial spaces over time. The 16,000 square metre Scoresby facility means the business has lots of room to grow and is consolidating its operations to gain efficiencies. The new factory will help slash the time it takes from receiving an order to delivery.

This year, the business has been through a learning process as the team has re-engineered the existing warehouse at Scorseby into a factory. This has lengthened the construction process and required a flexible approach to funding along the way.

Indeed, securing the right funding partner was a priority for the Scorseby project. “Westpac has been with us since the start. They even provided a financial backstop through the initial months of COVID, when no-one knew how things would play out,” says Michael Garnham.

Shane Howell, Westpac Group Managing Director, Business Lending, notes that helping businesses like Jardan to fulfil their growth ambitions is what business lending is all about.

“As businesses start to grow again as Australia recovers from the pandemic, having access to low-rate funding plays an important role in getting businesses back on their feet and helping them expand their offer for customers. We have worked with Jardan to help them access funding for their new commercial property and are delighted with the progress they have made as they look to open their new warehouse and create additional job opportunities.”

Executive General Manager Irene Jones says Westpac has been such a great partner. “The fact we provide employment in the local area and are driven to create work for our community was something to which they could really relate. Dealing with the bank has been seamless and really helped fulfil our vision.”

Local focus

Jardan’s philosophy is built around creating Australian-made, sustainable furniture, while supporting the local community. This year’s COVID-induced lockdowns affected the Sydney and Richmond showrooms, but both locations are now ramping up.

“Keeping our people employed, especially through COVID, has been absolutely critical,” explains Jones. “We really care about our customers and make sure we deliver an incredible, thoughtful and considered product. It’s also important to note we have been carbon neutral since 2014.”

Jones says the business is working towards a strong 2022: “We want to grow and offer opportunities for our people.” This echoes Westpac research, which has found 85 per cent of small businesses feel confident about the future and believe the economy will quickly return to growth as restrictions ease.

As well as a new North American presence, a new Adelaide location is on the cards, the first time the business has had a presence in this city. There are also plans to expand Jardan’s online offering. Says Jones: “We continue to make amazing furniture and look at different avenues that appreciate a designer offering. We’re committed to supporting our local artisans and growing the business, so it’s a real success story.”

Right now, the team is undergoing training for the Scoreseby location. Jardan has also launched new sofa styles, as well as a Christmas-themed homewares range. As for the future, Jones expects Jardan to go from strength to strength, especially as people place so much emphasis on having a comfortable home now.

“We want to keep working through everything as a team and for Jardan to continue to be the first choice for high quality, beautifully designed sustainable furniture and homewares.”

*Westpac SME Research, 2021 conducted by Lonergan Research

Whether you’re looking to grow, transform or scale up your business, Westpac is here to help make your plans happen. Chat to our specialist business bankers today to find the right solution for your business or find out how we can help at westpac.com.au/businessloanoffer