GALE Pacific Limited says it is marking 75 years of manufacturing technical fabrics in Australia, reflecting on a history of product development while positioning the business for future innovation and sustainability.
In a media release, the ASX-listed manufacturer said it was founded in 1951 with a focus on designing and manufacturing fabrics to protect people, places and assets from heat and ultraviolet exposure, particularly in harsh outdoor environments.
The company said the anniversary highlighted both its manufacturing legacy and its plans to evolve in response to changing climate and market demands.
GALE Pacific said its manufacturing milestones include the invention of the world’s first knitted shade fabric in the 1970s using polymer technology, followed in the 1980s by the introduction of fashion colours into shade fabrics.
In 1991, the company launched its Commercial NinetyFive® shade fabric, which it described as a long-standing product in architectural shade applications.
More recently, the manufacturer said it has focused on circular manufacturing initiatives. Since 2016, GALE Pacific said it has operated a closed-loop recycling program for agricultural tarpaulins, collecting used polypropylene and polyethylene grain covers and converting them into resin for new Landmark® fabrics containing recycled content.
It also cited the development of Ecobanner®, which it described as Australia’s first PVC-free banner fabric designed for closed-loop recycling.
Chief executive officer Troy Mortleman said the company views manufacturing as central to addressing environmental and social challenges.
“As GALE Pacific celebrates 75 years, this milestone represents more than longevity: it is a reaffirmation of the company’s purpose,” he said. “Our heritage is built on solving real-world challenges with technical fabrics that perform where it matters most.”
GALE Pacific said its manufacturing operations support two core brands serving both commercial and consumer markets.
Through GALE Commercial, the company supplies fabrics for architectural, infrastructure and agricultural projects across Australia, the United States, the Middle East and other regions. Its Coolaroo brand focuses on household shade and outdoor comfort products sold through major retailers in Australia and North America.
The company said it remains focused on manufacturing shade and protective fabric solutions as heat and UV exposure increase globally.
According to the release, this includes ongoing investment in materials designed to improve durability, thermal performance and sustainability, including fabrics endorsed by Cancer Council Australia and proprietary developments such as Coolaroo Heatshield®.
“As climate pressures intensify, our role as a manufacturer is to continue advancing fabrics that help communities adapt and remain resilient,” Mortleman said.
