BHD has grown from cantilever racking roots into a global supplier supporting modern,
automation-ready warehouse infrastructure.
BHD achieved 40 per cent sales growth in 2025 as it expanded its distributor network and accelerated its move into warehouse automation. The result comes as logistics and warehousing operators continue investing in higher-density storage systems and efficiency-driven infrastructure.
BHD General Manager John Harrison says the company’s performance was driven by a renewed focus on core fundamentals, particularly around pricing, service delivery and product quality.
“Probably the simplest thing is doing the basics well,” John says. “That means being competitive on price, competitive on service, and giving customers a quality product at the right price, backed by the support they need.”
Core product foundation
Cantilever racking remains the foundation of BHD’s product portfolio, supporting long-length and oversized materials storage requirements across a range of industries. It remains the company’s most established product line and a central part of its market identity.
“Cantilever is still one of our most important products,” John says. “It’s the foundation of the business, and it remains our number one.”
That product base has supported BHD’s ability to broaden its scope into more complex warehouse storage systems. Over recent years, the company has delivered a growing number of shuttle racking projects, strengthening its presence in automation-ready infrastructure.
“We’ve also been moving further into the automation space,” John says. “Over the past few years we’ve delivered several shuttle racking projects, and they’ve been very successful.”
Shuttle racking demand
Demand for shuttle racking solutions has been strongest in cold chain environments. Food logistics, freezer warehousing and cold storage facilities have emerged as key adopters of automation technology, driven by the need for storage density and operational efficiency. BHD has also seen demand from beverage operators, particularly during peak seasonal periods.
“It’s mainly the food industry, freezer operators and cold storage facilities,” John says. “They’re the ones adopting the technology fastest at the moment.”
One of the company’s largest recent shuttle racking projects was delivered in Queensland, with positive feedback reported from the installation.
Acceleration of automation transformation
BHD’s shift into automation has been building for several years, but 2025 marked a clearer acceleration. A key milestone was the launch of the company’s four-way shuttle program at CeMAT Australia 2025, which helped generate stronger market visibility.
“We’ve been heading in this direction for two or three years,” John says. “But 2025 was really the turning point.”
The CeMAT launch triggered increased customer enquiries and strengthened awareness of BHD’s direction. It provided a platform to communicate a broader automation strategy to the market, beyond its established racking reputation.
“The launch of our four-way shuttle program at CeMAT in 2025 really kicked things off,” John says. “It sparked a lot of customer interest and helped clarify the direction we’re heading.”
Distributor network expansion
BHD also made a shift in its go-to-market model during 2025, introducing four distributors into its Australian network. This included two in Victoria, one in Queensland and one in New South Wales.
“In 2025 we brought four distributors into the business,” John says. “Two in Victoria, one in Queensland and one in New South Wales, which has been a major shift in how we operate.”
The expanded distributor network strengthened the company’s ability to support customers across multiple states. It improved access to products and services, particularly for customers requiring local representation and fast delivery.
“That shift has played a major role in supporting our growth,” John says.
2026 expansion plans
Expansion is expected to continue through 2026, both in workforce and distribution coverage. South Australia and Western Australia have been identified as priority markets for further distributor growth.
“Yes, the team needs to grow,” John says. “We also need to expand our distributor network into states where we don’t yet have representation.”
“We’re already in discussions with potential partners in South Australia and Perth,” John says. “Those are two key areas for us.”
Internally, team diversity has been identified as a strength both culturally and operationally.
“Our team is very diverse culturally,” John says. “That mix of backgrounds and experience strengthens the business.”
John describes its culture as growth focused.
“The culture at BHD is very positive,” he says. “It’s built around growth.”
BHD has positioned its 40 per cent sales growth as a major result given the competitive conditions across logistics and warehousing.
Cross-department collaboration has also been highlighted as a cultural strength, particularly when pressure increases in one area of the business. Support across departments has been positioned as an important factor in maintaining performance under demand.
“People are willing to help each other,” John says. “If one department is under pressure, others step in and support them.”
International expansion is also underway as the broader business continues growing globally. A facility in the UAE is expected to be established by mid-2026, initially operating as a distribution site, with longer-term plans to develop manufacturing capability.
“In the initial stages it will operate as a distribution facility,” John says. “Over time, the intent is to expand into manufacturing.”
“Product will continue to be made in China and Vietnam, and stored through a facility in Dubai,” John says.
Future focus on automation
Warehouse automation remains a major focus as the company expands beyond its traditional racking portfolio. A dedicated automation department is being established in China to strengthen in-house capability.
“We’re establishing a dedicated automation department in China,”
John says.
“That will allow us to control the programming, design, manufacturing and supply chain for automation projects,” John says.
The automation team is currently expanding, with staff being added as the department develops. The Tongling factory’s R&D centre is already active as part of this buildout, with further progress expected later in 2026.
“The new R&D centre at our Tongling facility is already in full swing,” John says.
Long-term growth plans also include expanding the company’s reputation beyond cantilever.
“I’d like to see the business become known for more than cantilever,” John says. “That includes other racking solutions and automation.”
