When Maxton Fox first came to be over five decades ago, it wasn’t a singular vision that thrust it into existence. It was an organic convergence of distinct crafts that paved the entrepreneurial trajectory of this enduring brand. And today, this iconic Australian commercial furniture and joinery manufacturer has taken another step in its evolution as Dennis Hall, the company’s Founder, and his daughter, Belinda Hall, recently restructured the business, have taken complete ownership and will lead the company into the future. 

Maxton Fox’s business transformation honours the brand’s multi-faceted legacy, while streamlining its expression in the pursuit of cohesion, quality and efficiency. Here, we look back at Maxton Fox’s origin story, celebrate their unyielding commitment to local design and manufacturing – and explore the reimagined vision for the brand Belinda’s directorial appointment heralds. 

Foundational convergence of crafts

In the late 1960s, Dennis Hall found himself at the helm of Hall & Etches, an upholstery business he inherited from his father. Only a year or so into running Hall & Etches, Dennis won the contract to upgrade and manufacture all seating throughout the NSW Legislative Assembly. This contract enabled a merge with two other Directors, and Tudor Furniture was formed. the precursor to Maxton Fox.

Becoming an Australian manufacturing icon

After two decades of success, Maxton Fox was formed, and all company operations fell under the Maxton Fox umbrella to compete in the design-led contract furniture market.

Maxton Fox’s trailblazing launch was punctuated by a string of momentous achievements – like manufacturing and installing TAA’s (Trans Australia Airlines) gate lounge airport seating across the country back in the late 80s, early 90s. This iconic collaboration with one of Australia’s most quintessential brand – TAA which later became Qantas – reinforced Maxton Fox’s commitment to championing local design and manufacturing. This contract win led to a successful win with Incat Ferries worldwide and Rivercat Ferries across Sydney Harbour for all Ferry Seating manufacturing.

Maxton Fox continued to gain momentum and success in the contract-furniture market by designing, manufacturing and installing workstations systems, screen systems and seating for some of Australia’s largest organisations throughout the country.

It’s at their Western Sydney facility that Maxton Fox has designed and developed products and joinery across some iconic award-winning projects for well-known Australian companies, offering designers the chance to create a true design difference when they partner in at the early stages of a project’s development.

An example is Bondi Milk Bar Luxury Residential development which was a complete team collaboration.

In addition, TfNSW Macquarie Park saw unique product development across workstations, boardroom tables, soundproof privacy rooms and mobile concierge units.

Subtle switches, significant shifts: New leadership driving positive change

Maxton Fox has recently undergone it’s latest significant evolution as a brand. By restructuring and adopting new leadership, and by moving its operations to a new, more efficient facility just around the corner from their long-standing Vardys Road home. They continue their dedication to locally sourced materials and local workforce commitment which remains central to the company’s ethos. 

The new purpose-built factory houses state-of-the-art machinery and equipment, and continue to deliver high-quality, locally-made and sustainable product and joinery that is built to last. “We’re embracing the future by investing in smarter technologies and optimising our production processes,” Belinda enthuses. “This will not only improve our efficiency but also ensure we continue to craft the high-quality pieces our clients have come to expect from Maxton Fox.”

“As a family business, we are passionately committed to continually elevating our product offering and providing exceptional quality to our partners in the architecture, design, and construction communities,” Belinda says. “We want every piece crafted by Maxton Fox to be a testament to enduring design and lasting quality.”