Happy birthday to iconic Australian manufacturer Laminex, celebrating an impressive 90 years!
The Laminex story began in 1934 in suburban Melbourne where Robert Sykes started Laminex in a small tin shed. Over the years, this business grew to be one of Australia’s leading manufacturers.
While the iconic Australian brand has grown a lot over nine decades, its ethos has always remained the same – the belief that every Australian deserves great quality products with great quality design.
The evolution of Laminex began after World War II, when Sykes was captivated by a new trend appearing overseas for decorative laminates. He travelled to the US to research the fabrication of decorative laminates and began producing Australia’s first interior décor product range in the early 1950s. With Australia’s cities booming, new house builds thriving and a demand for affordable furniture escalating, Sykes’ foresight to innovate was astute.
The Cheltenham plant in Victoria was established in 1952, which featured a cutting-edge hydraulic press to enable rapid production processes and an expansion of the product range to meet market demand and improve revenues. It was here that Laminex became the only producer of thin high-pressure and more recently compact laminates in Australia and New Zealand – which still stands today.
For the past 90 years, Laminex has consistently set the benchmark for material innovation, leading to an extensive product range that has expanded to include modern laminates, acrylic surfaces, wall panelling products and more. For many Australians, Laminex products have been a fundamental part of their households – bringing durability, functionality, and personality to the heart of the home.
This year commemorates the remarkable 90-year journey of Laminex. This significant milestone is a celebration of the evolution of being the very fabric of Australian design. Over the past nine decades, Laminex has created a range of innovative and diverse brands that are serious multi-taskers, leading the way in expert quality, design-led materials for contemporary living. With an extensive portfolio across Laminex, Formica, Surround by Laminex and HI-MACS, there is a carefully curated product for everyone and every space.
The success of Laminex products can be attributed to an ongoing focus on product and manufacturing innovation, and a pursuit of continuous improvement, elevating performance across its entire spectrum of operations. Throughout the company’s 90 years in business, Laminex has continually adapted, reinvesting in the skills, safety, performance, and capacity of its plants through new equipment, training, and development.
90 years on, Laminex takes pride in knowing its customers can take comfort in the fact that the Laminex products used in their homes are not only design-led and durable, but also support the Australian economy and are backed by incredible sustainable credentials. The design world may be forever evolving, but one thing that remains the same is Australia’s love for Laminex – it isn’t just owned and manufactured in Australia; it’s loved in kitchens, bathrooms and beyond, nationwide.
For more information on Laminex products, visit laminex.com.au
