DECO Australia: Building the future with a family business

Manufacturing in Australia isn’t always easy – it requires dedication, versatility, and a lot of tenacity. No one knows this better than DECO Australia, a family-owned business that has been manufacturing unique aluminium building products for more than 20 years.

Known for its timber-look aluminium solutions, DECO products can be found on buildings all over the country. But it has been a long journey to build the business into what it is today. Founded in 2004 by Director Ross Doonan, DECO’s story began in a small factory in Braemar, an hour south of Sydney.

“When the opportunity to start a new innovative business came along, we mortgaged everything and jumped off a cliff, not knowing where we would land,” said Ross. “We literally started out by knocking on doors to crack the market. The 2007 global financial crisis greatly affected us, and we were scraping to keep the lights on.”

Fuelled by a pioneering family spirit, DECO continued to operate as a finishing-focussed business, until Ross saw the potential in a niche timber-alternative market. “We were finishing other company’s aluminium profiles, and our customers were asking us if we could supply finished aluminium profiles. So, we set out to create products and systems ourselves.”

DECO first launched a range of timber-look aluminium products in 2006 which replicate the appearance and feel of natural timber minus the ongoing maintenance. Since then, DECO has grown its manufacturing capabilities to offer over 12 product lines. This includes non-combustible decking solutions, fencing, batten, and cladding products. These innovative products are not only made to the highest bushfire safety ratings, but still offer the aesthetic of natural timber, so homeowners don’t need to sacrifice the looks for superior safety and quality.

In 2018, DECO moved to a new facility in Minto, New South Wales, allowing the business to improve manufacturing processes and control and further expand its capabilities. The NATA accredited DECO Testing Laboratory and the award winning Innovation Centre were also established, both notably opened by the Prime Minister in 2023.

Although manufacturing locally still comes with challenges such as international copycats and patent issues, Ross says the benefits make it worthwhile. “Having our operations in Australia means that we have control over our processes and can provide customers with the highest quality and service, and even offer custom designs,” said Ross.

“We are supplying the Australian industry with high quality Australian Made products, so they can be sure that everything meets relevant building standards and codes and is suited to our harsh environment. Being a local manufacturer also means that we can reduce harmful impacts – from reducing emissions from international transportation to ensuring equal and fair conditions for our team.”

While the DECO workforce has grown to over 100 people, it remains a family-owned and operated business to this day, with the Doonan family’s values ever present throughout. “There’s nothing more rewarding that coming to work each day working in a business that was built from the ground up. The family atmosphere brings a real sense of value and purpose to work,” said Meika Doonan, Strategic Director. “Having your boss know your name and the job you do – it’s those simple things that make someone feel appreciated.”

“Being a family business also means we have less red tape – we can adapt and pivot quickly. The ability to develop and launch a new product in a matter of months is a big part of our success and helps us to stay fresh and ahead of the competition.”

Since 2008, DECO has proudly displayed the Australian Made logo on its products to clearly communicate its authentic Australian credentials to customers. “Many architects and builders will automatically trust an Australian Made product over imports and understand the value and benefits that Australian Made brings,” said Meika.

“The Australian Made logo is a symbol of quality, which is an important value to DECO. Not only that, it reflects a commitment to supporting our economy, our people and the environment.” 

DECO Australia enjoys a true sense of community and passion from its workforce, which is reflected in the high quality of products that leaves its doors. And beyond that, the community feel is reflected in its strong family values.

“Buying from Australian manufacturers like us doesn’t just support our business, it supports our Australian suppliers such as Capral who supply DECO with Australian made aluminium, as well as all the other affiliated local business – even down to the corner café where our team buy their lunch,” said Ross. “And that’s what DECO is all about. Growing, innovating, and creating effortless, beautiful living.”

Find out more at deco.net.au