Tasmanian manufacturer Kings Outdoor Living is increasingly turning to aluminium as it expands its locally made shade and shelter products for schools, parks, sporting clubs, hospitality venues and homes.
According to Capral Aluminium, the company has increasingly focused on local manufacturing to address the freight, handling and supply challenges involved in sourcing products from mainland Australia.
Sam King, Kings co-owner, said, “With the Bass Strait freight cost, and complexity, and timing, and damage, we thought, ‘We should probably start making some of this stuff.’”
The company initially manufactured many of its locally made products using steel. However, the weight of steel created practical challenges, particularly because Kings is involved in both manufacturing and installing its products.
“Once you’ve carried large steel pipe up flights of stairs with a few guys, you realise the advantages of aluminium,” King said. He further stated, “Because we install what we make, our thought process is always really heavily orientated to how are they actually going to get that to that location.”
It has since incorporated aluminium into its modular product systems. This includes shade sail posts and umbrellas. The lighter weight of aluminium has helped with handling and installation, especially for products installed in coastal environments.