Beyond interior design: ABGF partners with regional Victorian advanced carpet manufacturer

Beyond the positive contribution to our living and working spaces, the process of carpet manufacturing has revealed opportunities for innovation in robotics and automation. It is in this spirit that the Australian Business Growth Fund (ABGF) has partnered with Modra, the family-owned, regional Victorian business that specialises in advanced commercial carpet manufacturing technology.

Founded in 1991, Modra has grown to serve over 200 customers across 35 countries, advancing the carpet manufacturing industry through decades of expertise and focused research and development (R&D).

And now, with ABGF’s investment and strategic support, Modra is set to expand its R&D, almost double its workforce and accelerate international growth to meet the rising demand for its innovative technology.

The vision to revolutionise commercial carpet manufacturing

Patterned carpets cover many high-traffic spaces – from shopping centres to hotels, offices to residential property. They are not just about aesthetics – they’re also practical. The intricate designs hide dirt, stains, and wear better than solid-colored carpets.

Crafting a patterned carpet is no easy feat. Each design requires meticulous planning with thousands of bobbins of yarn and exact execution to ensure the intricate patterns align perfectly across the entire carpet. This can be an intensive and costly process.

That’s the challenge Modra’s founder, Tim Modra, faced into when he established the business over 30 years ago. Combining his passion for machines, electronics and software, he sought to design new technologies that could solve age-old challenges faced by the industry.

Modra’s transformation from modest regional business to a global leader in carpet sampling technology came about with the success of machines such as the ‘Kibby’ and ‘Mtuft’. These enable designers to produce carpet samples at scale and a cost-effective price point. In turn, carpet manufacturers were more effective at winning new business and experimenting with new designs before they needed to invest in full-scale production – saving money and reducing wastage. With this success grew ever increasing demand for Modra’s innovative solutions in commercial carpet manufacturing around the world.

“Our success to date has been driven by our relentless focus on innovation and solving the real challenges our customers face,” says Tim. “With ABGF’s support, we are well-positioned to take that innovation to the next level and unlock even greater potential in the years ahead.”

With 95% of sales coming from international markets, Modra is trusted by over 200 clients across 35 countries.

Sustainable manufacturing practices fuels growth

Modra’s mantra continues to be driven by a commitment to push the boundaries of advanced technologies.

The company’s latest innovative solution is the ‘CreelMT Mobile’ system. This all-in-one automated machine increases commercial carpet production efficiencies by up to 83% by using robotics for time intensive, manual tasks. This new technology significantly reduces wastage for their customers, with up to an 80% reduction in waste yarn compared to traditional manufacturing methods – and therefore results in huge cost savings for these customers.

With sustainable manufacturing practices in high demand globally, it’s no surprise Modra has experienced significant revenue growth – in fact, they have averaged more than 50% revenue growth per annum over the last three years. And there’s no sign of slowing down with global demand for Modra’s products outstripping its ability to supply the market.

Modra’s relentless focus on research and development ensures they remain at the forefront of industry innovation. They continue to set new carpet production efficiency standards, while reducing the environmental impacts often associated with traditional manufacturing practices. Modra has proven this through winning the Leader in Digital and Advanced Technologies from the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards.

Photo: Tim Modra (Modra’s Founder and CEO).

A strategic partnership to further boost global reach

Seeking capital was a deliberate choice by Modra so they could gain a partner with the capabilities and connections to further fuel expansion, scale operations in regional Victoria, almost double their workforce, and further increase investment in research and development. ABGF was selected as Modra’s investment partner because we are an active minority investor, motivated to unlock the next growth phase while enabling the founder to stay in control of the business.

“This partnership with ABGF isn’t just about financial growth,” said Tim Modra, “it’s about supporting our manufacturing operations in Warragul and ensuring that we can continue to provide highly skilled jobs in our regional community as we expand our global footprint.”

With ABGF’s strategic insights and resources, Modra Technology is poised to reach new heights. This partnership reinforces Modra’s position as a leader in the carpet machinery industry and as a critical employer and economic contributor to regional Australia.

ABGF’s Investment Manager, Alexandros Collivas, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership: “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.”

Photo: Tim Modra (Modra’s Founder and CEO) and Alex Collivas (ABGF’s Investment Manager).

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