Bartlett Management has recently made the strategic decision to close the retail shop front of their Bartlett Custom Canvas facility located at Shed 1, Mentay way, converting the facility into a specialised wholesale sewing section to cater for the growing demands of the companies Defence and Camper Canvas customer base.

The Bartlett business has undertaken considerable growth and evolution in recent times, allowing the family owned company to thrive in what has been a difficult time for many Australian manufacturing companies. Part of this development has seen a shift in focus from the traditional sectors serviced by the diverse Bartlett range, to a more targeted approach towards large commercial customers, particularly in the Defence and Camper Canvas sector. 

CEO of C.E. Bartlett, Dave O’Brien explains what the change means. “The Bartlett Custom Canvas division has been a strong part of our business since its establishment in 2005. It has allowed us to maintain the traditional roots of the business by servicing local retail customers requiring one-off jobs and repairs through to customised ute covers and canopies.”

“Whilst it is a sad day that we close our Custom Canvas retail shopfront, this decision will allow us to grow as required to meet the ever-increasing demands of our wholesale canvas customers across Defence and Camper Canvas sectors.”

Well known as a fabricator of a vast product range including external sunblinds, transport tarps, agricultural products, water storage and water transfer products, Bartlett have seen a dramatic shift in the requirement for canvas products in recent years.

As stated by Dave, “for the best part of 20 years our business and the industry in general has had a strong focus on products manufactured from poly fabrics such as woven polyethylene, PVC and polypropylene. Whilst there is still strong demand for these types of products, in the past 5-6 years we have seen the focus in some of our key sectors shift towards traditional canvas requirements.”

“By transforming the Custom Canvas factory into a specialised wholesale sewing facility it allows us to best utilise the machinery and resources we have in that area of the business. Whilst we understand the sentimental attachment many of our staff and many local Ballarat people have to our Custom Canvas division, this change is an exciting time for the company and presents huge opportunity.”

The Bartlett business will continue to operate from its four purpose built wholesale production facilities across their three sites in Wendouree and the Bartlett Blinds factory at Grandlee Drive will continue to service the local market for all sunblind products.

For further information regarding any of the Bartlett range call 1800 115 440 or visit www.bartlett.net.au.