GH Commercial is privileged to draw on 160 years of manufacturing experience in Australia and Zealand through Godfrey Hirst operations, proudly standing as a pillar of local manufacturing, innovation and craftsmanship.

Our story began in Geelong, Victoria, where the Victorian Woollen and Cloth Manufacturing Company was established as one of the first textile mills in the region. From these humble beginnings, a legacy was born, one that continues to thrive today.

A heritage built on craftsmanship

Godfrey Hirst, an English-trained weaver in his family business, moved to Victoria in search of opportunity and warmer weather. In 1888, he launched his own flannel manufacturing business and within a year, partnered with Charles Shannon and Charles Smith to acquire the Barwon woollen factory. Over the decades, the company expanded its offering to include blankets, rugs, tweeds, and worsteds, eventually incorporating as Godfrey Hirst & Co Pty Ltd in 1909.

In 1966, Godfrey Hirst Co was acquired with a clear focus on carpet production versus other textiles. Fast forward to 2006, 40 years later, Feltex Carpets Limited was acquired by Godfrey Hirst & Co Pty Ltd. In 2018, Godfrey Hirst was acquired by Mohawk Industries, the world’s largest flooring company.

Proudly local, globally trusted

Our investment in local production continues: with three Australian plants, four world-class sites in New Zealand, and distribution centres in major cities, we manage the entire supply chain from product design to delivery, ensuring quality, reliability, and speed.

More than just manufacturing, these sites represent our long-term commitment to local industry and community development. This is Australian Made at its best built with pride, powered by innovation, and delivered with purpose.

Local legacy, real impact

While our heritage is rooted in manufacturing, our future is defined by positive impact. As we celebrate 160 years of being locally made, we also celebrate our commitment to people, place, and planet – our pillars that shape our approach to sustainability and social responsibility.

With more than 1,000 employees across Australia and New Zealand, we’re proud to offer meaningful opportunities to our local community. We also invest in future talent through graduate programs and partnerships with community and educational organisations, providing real-world pathways for the next generation. Because building stronger communities starts from the ground up.

Backed by local investment

Recent investments demonstrate our long-term vision and commitment to staying local:

Solar generation across nearly all manufacturing sites.
A multi-million-dollar upgrade to our Victorian tile plant.
A 4,800-tonne yarn store to support Australian Made carpets.
LED lighting and plant upgrades to drive energy performance.

These innovations are shaping the next generation of sustainable, locally produced flooring.

Reducing our environmental impact

For us, sustainability is more than just a target; it’s a pillar of how we operate. Since 2020, we’ve reduced Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions across Australia and New Zealand by approximately 34% through efficiency initiatives and the installation of over 8,300 solar panels.

We’re committed to lowering our footprint while delivering the same trusted flooring solutions you know and trust. Because we know that our future depends on the work we do today.

From 1865 to today

Today, we draw on 160 years of expertise to produce thousands of metres of carpet every day, backed by advanced manufacturing and deep local knowledge. Together, we create spaces where people live, learn, work, play and rest.

Architecture & Design Team

GH Commercial

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