Growth at this pace creates its own pressures. Scaling operations, investing in R&D, and meeting surging global demand, all while maintaining the culture and values of a family-owned business, requires not just capital but the right kind of capital.

That’s where the Australian Business Growth Fund (ABGF) comes in. ABGF is a long-term minority investor that backs established, profitable Australian businesses looking to scale, without requiring founders to give up control. It’s a model designed specifically for businesses like Modra: strong fundamentals, proven product, global ambition, and a founder who wants a partner, not a boss.

“Our partnership with ABGF isn’t just about financial growth,” says Modra. “It’s about supporting our manufacturing operations in Warragul and continuing to solve the real challenges our customers face as we expand our global footprint.”

ABGF’s Investment Director, Alex Collivas, echoes that sentiment: “ABGF’s investment in Modra is about empowering an Australian success story to scale even further. We’re delighted to be part of their next phase of growth, helping them expand their operations, accelerate product innovation, and meet the growing global demand for their solutions.”

For Tim, partnering with ABGF was also the start of a succession plan. “I really love what I do as a job, but the reality is there’s probably a time to make a change and not limit the business to the size it is,” he says. Beyond capital, ABGF brought in an independent Chair and the experience to grow Modra’s managers and help the business become more professional. “I’ve found now a team of people who are wise and experienced that I can lean on,” Tim says. “Before that it was very lonely.” His advice to other founders weighing the same decision: “Try letting it go… look forward to learning about new ways of getting things done.”

What distinguishes ABGF from other capital providers is the strategic value it brings alongside investment. ABGF brings sector experience, a national network, and a genuine commitment to working alongside management rather than above them. For manufacturers in particular, that means understanding the realities of long production cycles, the importance of IP protection, and the complexity of scaling operations while maintaining product quality.

With ABGF’s backing, Modra is expanding its R&D investment and accelerating into new international markets. The sustainability credentials are a growing advantage: in a global market increasingly focused on waste reduction and environmental impact, Modra’s technology offers carpet manufacturers a compelling path to both cost savings and greener production.

That hands-on approach extends to leadership. To drive Modra’s next stage of growth, ABGF ran a robust search for a professional CEO that found Craig Fuller, who was drawn by the brand’s reputation and the chance to scale it globally in the fast-growing automation market. “ABGF played a big role in the recruitment process to make sure Tim and I were compatible,” Craig says. The fund also profiled the wider team, which helped him understand its dynamics early. Before starting, Craig and Tim built a 90-day integration plan and mapped each other’s strengths, so they know who can add the most value in any situation. “We are quite different,” Tim says, “but we work together… and want each other to succeed.”