From Humble Beginnings

In 1956, a sail maker by the name of Cliff Bartlett began repairing tarpaulins in his family home. From this humble foundation, the Bartlett business was born.

Learn more about Our History

The Bartlett Culture

Honesty, Respect, Loyalty and Trust are the foundations of our relationships with all of our stakeholders. Our communications will always be honest, up front, and transparent. Our word is as strong as any written contract. Ethically correct behaviour has a higher ranking than just acting in a legally correct manner. Making a profit is important for the maintenance of a sustainable business but keeping a promise and looking after our staff and customers are equally as important. We always take the longer-term option as opposed to the “quick buck now”. We work together with our staff in a fair, safe and secure environment. We share our success with those who help us achieve it. Our products will always be focused on quality and durability. We always strive for mutually beneficial relationships with our suppliers and customers.

Who We Are

People are Our Success

Our success comes from our people. We work together in a fair, safe and secure environment. We will provide the opportunities that challenge and reward our people to grow and develop their skills. Respect and trust are the foundation of our relationship.

Start your Career

After I left school at the end of Year 12, I started a three-week contract at Bartlett in 1993. I am still working at the company today!

Chris McDonald - Technical Sales Manager

When we were at school my cousin Scott and I came in to Bartletts on weekends and school holidays. We made guy ropes, cleaned up cars, did some welding and visited the tankliner area. In 1995, I started by welding and hand cutting tankliners.

Andrew Bartlett - Production Supervisor

In 1997 I started in the Tankliner factory where I worked for about five years, learning all aspects of the cutting and welding process. The tankliners were manually cut at that time but soon evolved and
became automated once the company purchased our first conveyorised cutting machine.

Scott Bartlett - Production Operations Manager

Bartlett Manufacturing believes the future of the manufacturing business is built on a foundation of experience, innovation and people. The executive management team, a collection of industry experts, bring a passion for sustainable progress alongside a proven track record.

  • Dave O’Brien

    Chief Executive Officer

    Dave began working for Bartlett in 2006 as Manager of Corporate Services and as a member of the Senior Management Team. Dave has a finance backgrou

    Dave began working for Bartlett in 2006 as Manager of Corporate Services and as a member of the Senior Management Team. Dave has a finance background and over the last 25 years has held various senior finance positions within the manufacturing, fashion and retail business segments. Dave was elevated to the position of CEO of the company in 2015. In his current role Dave oversees all Management decisions and takes a lead role in any key strategic decisions regarding business development and the ongoing sustainability of the business and its various business divisions.

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  • Scott Bartlett

    Production Operations Manager

    Scott began working for Bartlett in 1997 and has worked across almost every production division within the company. Scott’s strong experience in in

    Scott began working for Bartlett in 1997 and has worked across almost every production division within the company. Scott’s strong experience in industrial textile fabrication and production methods, allows him to fully utilise the capabilities of the technologically advanced production environment. He's
    recognised as a strong mentor, fostering a positive, collaborative environment where his teams thrive. Through personalised training, Scott empowers individuals to develop and refine their skills, unlocking their full potential
    Scott joined the Executive Team in 2017. In his current role Scott oversees all Production
    Operations and takes a lead role in sourcing the latest machinery and advanced production methods from across the globe.

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  • Kathryn Carter

    Payroll, People & Culture Manager

    Kathryn joined Bartlett Manufacturing’s finance team in 2008.  Shortly after her appointment she was promoted to co-ordinate and manage the company

    Kathryn joined Bartlett Manufacturing’s finance team in 2008.  Shortly after her appointment she was promoted to co-ordinate and manage the company’s payroll functions, amongst other financial responsibilities. Kathryn’s passion for internal human resource governance, compliance and maintenance of company culture, lead her to pursue further studies in this field. In 2014 Kathryn was promoted to her current role of Payroll, People and Culture Manager, adding to her existing responsibilities. Kathryn is an empathetic leader in the organisation, and is trusted by all levels of staff throughout the business.

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  • Graham Gibson

    General Manager Bartlett Blinds

    Graham joined Bartlett and the Executive Management Team in 2014, bringing nearly 35 years senior operational experience in FMCG manufacturing. Gra

    Graham joined Bartlett and the Executive Management Team in 2014, bringing nearly 35 years senior operational experience in FMCG manufacturing. Graham's strong experience in lean manufacturing process and implementation, has allowed him to introduce key aspects of this to the Bartlett Blinds business. He is responsible for all aspects of sales and operations in the Blinds division, and leverages his strong people management skills to get the best out of his team, whilst ensuring the Bartlett Blinds division maintains its strategic position in the East Coast Australian market.

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  • Chris McDonald

    Technical Sales Manager

    Chris began working for Bartlett in 1993 where he rapidly developed his skills
    across multiple production divisions, before transitioning into

    Chris began working for Bartlett in 1993 where he rapidly developed his skills
    across multiple production divisions, before transitioning into the General Factory’s Production Supervisor position. Chris then moved into the sales team, building invaluable relationships with many of the company’s largest clients.
    He is recognised as a technical expert in industrial textiles with great strength utilising these skills to help customers develop the best possible solutions to their problems. Chris joined the Executive Team in 2018. In his current role Chris oversees all sales and customer service elements of Bartlett’s key divisions.   

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  • Nigel Stevens

    Corporate Services Manager

    Nigel started with Bartlett in 2021 as Corporate Services Manager and a member of the Executive Management Team. He is responsible for the IT & Fin

    Nigel started with Bartlett in 2021 as Corporate Services Manager and a member of the Executive Management Team. He is responsible for the IT & Finance functions of the business with 32+ years’ experience in both IT and Finance positions. The majority of his career has been with manufacturing businesses both public and family-owned business.  He also has experience in the automotive, and software consulting industries.

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  • Nick Thurlbeck

    General Manager Business Development

    Nick joined Bartlett and the Executive Management Team in 2021. He is responsible for business development, marketing and supply chain management a

    Nick joined Bartlett and the Executive Management Team in 2021. He is responsible for business development, marketing and supply chain management across the Bartlett divisions. Nick brings to the business broad senior management experience gained from working in private business and public companies across multiple verticals including; marketing, sales, manufacturing, import & distribution, building products, FMCG, foodservice, consulting, web and social media. Nick holds key customer and supplier relationships, whilst strategically working to grow industry segments.

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Providing strategic guidance and strong oversight is our dedicated Board of Directors. Comprised of accomplished individuals with diverse backgrounds and proven leadership in business, finance, and related fields, they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. The Board plays a vital role in shaping Bartlett Manufacturing's long-term vision and ensuring our continued success.

  • Rob Stewart

    Board Chair

    Rob is a company director and management consultant. After graduating in law and commerce from Melbourne University Rob worked as a lawyer for two

    Rob is a company director and management consultant. After graduating in law and commerce from Melbourne University Rob worked as a lawyer for two years before doing an MBA at Harvard University. He then worked for five years as a General Manager in the Footwear Group of what was then Dunlop Australia Ltd before re-joining the law firm where he had started his career. For 18 years Rob was then the National Managing Partner of Minter Ellison, retiring from that position in 1999. An experienced company director, Rob has served on the boards of seven publicly listed companies. He has also been a director of a number of private commercial companies and not for profit organisations. He has served as Chairman of C.E. Bartlett Pty Ltd since 2004.

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  • Ian Ellis

    Director

    Ian gained his initial business experience in the Chartered Accounting profession in London and Melbourne. Owning and developing businesses has bee

    Ian gained his initial business experience in the Chartered Accounting profession in London and Melbourne. Owning and developing businesses has been his career focus as well as a range of directorships and mentoring roles. Ian has been involved with CE Bartlett since 2003, initially as mentor then since 2015 as a non-executive director.

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  • Patrick O'Brien

    Director

    Patrick has over 35 years’ business experience in Australia, the UK, Europe, Asia and the US.

    Having grown up in a family business, he comm

    Patrick has over 35 years’ business experience in Australia, the UK, Europe, Asia and the US.

    Having grown up in a family business, he commenced his career as a lawyer with Minter Ellison before completing an MBA at Harvard and a stint in management consulting with McKinsey & Company.

    Patrick then joined Macquarie Group where he was appointed a senior managing director and led teams in corporate finance (Melbourne) and private equity (London).

    During and since his years at Macquarie, Patrick has advised, founded, invested in, and/or been a director/chairman of numerous companies, community organisations and charitable foundations. He was appointed a director of C.E. Bartlett Pty Ltd in July 2024.

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  • John Bartlett

    Director / Secretary

    The eldest of the three brothers within the business, John began working in the business in 1970. In his years working with the company John has he

    The eldest of the three brothers within the business, John began working in the business in 1970. In his years working with the company John has held an extensive range of positions from the production floor through to various Senior Management positions.
    John’s experience and knowledge of the industry is perfectly suited to the ever changing and expanding nature of our business

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  • Keith Bartlett

    Director

    Keith left school to begin working in the family business in 1972. As the business grew and evolved so did Keith’s role within the company and foll

    Keith left school to begin working in the family business in 1972. As the business grew and evolved so did Keith’s role within the company and following Cliff’s retirement in 1994 Keith became Managing Director and the face of the business. After 21 years as the MD, Keith handed over the reins to Dave O’Brien in 2015. Keith takes a lead role in development of export markets and key strategic decisions regarding business development. A life member of our industry association (STA), Keith is highly regarded by his peers for his knowledge and experience within the industry.

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  • Max Bartlett

    Technical Director

    Max began working in the business in 1975. Max has always had a great passion for the production end of the business and for many years managed th

    Max began working in the business in 1975. Max has always had a great passion for the production end of the business and for many years managed the production arm of the entire business across all divisions. As Technical Director, Max's experience and knowledge is relied upon when it comes to developing new fabrics, new products, sourcing new manufacturing equipment and also adapting production processes. His innovative approach ensures the Bartlett business remains an industry leader with quality products.

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  • Our Expertise / History

    In 1956, a sail maker by the name of Cliff Bartlett began repairing tarpaulins in his family home. From this humble foundation, the Bartlett business was born.

    Find out more 
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