Celebrating 100 Years
1925 - 2025
Austral Plywoods was established in 1925 in a farming area on the outskirts Brisbane, with the purpose of producing butter boxes.
Brisbane at that time was a rapidly growing colonial outpost of 210,000 people, featuring Victorian architecture, electric trams, and a subtropical climate that shaped Queensland's capital city.
Austral Plywoods utilised the locally abundant Araucaria (Hoop Pine), a premium timber in high demand.
By 1946, Austral Plywoods had significantly expanded its presence at the Tennyson site.
In the 1950's and 60's Australians embraced plywood as a reliable building material, recognised for its functionality and visual appeal.
The journey had its hurdles, none more significant than the 1974 Brisbane flood. Fortunately, Austral Plywoods emerged unscathed.
In 1986 the Matthews and Clark families ushered in a new era for Austral Plywoods, positioning the company at the forefront of the premium plywood sector.
Austral Plywoods has been fortunate to contribute to a range of high-profile Australian projects over recent decades, trusted for our product excellence, reliability and use of locally sourced materials.
The Sydney 2000 Olympics showcased Austral Plywoods' capabilities, with our products used in multiple venues, including The Dome.
The Melbourne Recital Centre was another landmark project, showcasing not only the superior workability of our plywood but also the outstanding acoustic properties of the Araucaria species.
The innovative design of Perth Arena, shaped like an Eternity puzzle, was enhanced by the extensive use of appearance-grade plywood supplied by Austral Plywoods.
The Brisbane Law Courts was a prestigious project in which Austral Plywoods played a significant role, supplying acoustic panelling and furniture joinery throughout the complex.
Austral Plywoods has embraced change by innovating with products like Ariaply and iHoop—factory-prefinished plywood panels designed for maximum quality and streamlined installation.
Ethical sourcing and environmental traceability have never been more vital, and Austral Plywoods proudly selects only plantation-grown, sustainably managed wood.
Reaching 100 years is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of, but it wouldn’t have been possible without our dedicated staff, whose passion for our products drives our success.
Our commitment to excellence means we will keep developing innovative products, refining our processes, and investing in Australian manufacturing for years ahead.
Celebrating 100 years, honoring the past, embracing the present, and building the future!
