DECO Australia, a family-owned business, proudly marks its twentieth anniversary this year. Since its inception in 2004, DECO has evolved from a humble start-up specialising in aluminium woodgrain finishes to a leading Australian provider of timber-look aluminium building products. Founded by Ross Doonan, whose extensive career in engineering, industrial automation, and product design laid the foundation for DECO, the company has overcome significant challenges to achieve its current stature.
Ross Doonan established DECO in 2004, leveraging his vast experience in the building products sector, including aluminium windows and doors. Initially focused on raising market awareness about their innovative finishing technology, DECO faced a major setback with the global financial crisis in 2007.
"We had to do an enormous amount of work to raise awareness in the market of the availability of this new finishing technology. Then in 2007 the global financial crisis hit and the phones stopped ringing, so we had to batten down the hatches to survive,” explained Ross.
DECO quickly identified and capitalised on opportunities within the niche timber alternative market. Initially providing finishing services for other companies' aluminium profiles, DECO soon began developing its own products to meet customer demands for easy installation, high durability, and aesthetic appeal. The company's first major product, DecoDeck, was launched in 2006, followed by the unique DecoClad system and the innovative DecoBatten profiles, which have become signature products.
Today, DECO boasts over 12 product lines and a wide array of aluminium finishes. Their offerings include the natural timber-look DecoWood range, as well as DecoVogue's concrete, stone, and rust-effect finishes, DecoUltra anodised finishes, and DecoCoat solid powder colours. With a strong growth trajectory, DECO employs around 120 people, continuing to set benchmarks in the industry.
Ross added: “We were finishing other company’s aluminium profiles, and our customers were asking us if we could supply finished aluminium profiles. So, I set to work creating products and systems that would meet the needs of our customers in terms of easy and fast installation, together with high durability and aesthetic values.”
As DECO celebrates its twentieth anniversary, the company looks forward to commemorating this milestone with its partners, customers, and friends throughout the year. The DECO team remains committed to pioneering new products and maintaining its leadership in the aluminium industry.
With a rich legacy of innovation and resilience, DECO Australia is poised for a promising future, driven by its dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. Here's to another 20 years of success and industry leadership. If you wish to learn more about the international aluminium extrusion market, have a look at AL Circle's special report, The World of Aluminium Extrusions.
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