Established in 1953
We are a leading supplier of furnishing products, offering an extensive range of fabrics, leathers, vinyls, and high performance commercial products. Established in 1953, we continue to be a third generation Australian family owned business, based in Melbourne, Australia. From our Head Office, we design, stock, and distribute a broad selection of exclusive upholstery, drapery, leather and vinyl to the residential and contract markets both within Australia and abroad.
Metres Sold
years of trading
products
Brands
Our History
1953
Business Founded
Founded in 1953, as Jacka Wortley Fabrics Ptd, in a small warehouse in Melbourne, Australia.
1961
Australia's First Sample Book
One of the earliest examples of sample books every distributed in the Australian market. Pellan sold between the late 1950's though to 1977.
1978
new distribution centre built
We built a new distribution centre at 25 Geddes St, Mulgrave, where the company continues to operate today.
1992
Gosh Leather Distributor
We were appointed distributor of Gosh Leather.
2000
Acquired Willbro Fabrics
We acquired Willbro Fabrics who was a competitor at the time. Known for bespoke European collections, Willbro become our premium brand offer.
2000
Office Rebuild
The office was rebuilt as a two story office and showroom was build to support the growing business.
2001
Became Wortley Group
In 2001, the Wortley family bought out the Jacka family shareholding, and the company name changed to Wortley Group Pty Ltd.
2002
Linwood Distributor
We were appointed Distributor of Linwood Fabrics, a long standing UK convertor.
2005
Ashley Wilde and KAI agreement
We entered into a distributive agreement with Ashley Wilde, later expanding the association to include the KAI brand.
2008
Tasman Tanning Distributor
We were appointed distributor of Tasman Tanning, New Zealand.
2013
Marketing Partnership with Austex Fabrics
We entered our ongoing close marketing partnership with Austex Fabrics, expanding our distribution and marketing services over time.
2014
Crypton Distributor
Appointed a key distributor of Crypton Fabrics, a global leader in high performance waterproof fabrics,
2016
Online Sample Cutting Service Offering
We released our online sample cutting service, to support the widening use of the internet for product selections
2020
Launch of Fusion Digital Prints
We launched Fusion Digital prints, in partnership with Austex Fabrics
2021
Wortley Studio Launch
We launched Wortley Studio, leading furniture Visualisation technology.
2023
Celebrated 70 years
In 2023, We celebrated 70 years in operation.
our brands
Along with our own Wortley branded product, we represent many renowned international brands.
FROM THE CEO
“We are proud to be a 100% Australian owned family company, in operation for over 72 years…..in that time, the company has met the challenges of a changing market, embraced efficiencies and adapted our product offer to meet the needs of you, our valuable Australian and International clients.
Through close partnerships with leading international textile brands, it is our pleasure to continue to introduce you to the latest furnishing trends encompassing fabrics, leathers, vinyl along with innovative technology to make your selections easier and more enjoyable.
This is a family business and our dedicated team look forward to assisting you in your furnishing journey!”
Ben Wortley, Chairman & Managing Director, Wortley Group Pty Ltd
Key partners & Certifications
We service key markets including retail, interior design, corporate, healthcare, hospitals, caravan and boat builders, ferry and transport, and hotel/hospitality markets. Our National Sales team are here is assist with finding the right products for your projects.
Industry
Australian Trusted Trader
The Australian Border Force oversees the Australian Trusted Trader program, which recognizes Australian businesses for their adherence to compliant trade practices and secure international supply chains. Only operations with advanced freight, security and compliance systems are accredited to the Australian Trusted Trader Program which assists and prioritises the movement of cargo, ensuring swift access to global markets. Wortley Group has been assessed and is accredited as an Australian Trusted Trader.
Australian Furnishing Research & Development Institute (AFRDI)
Founded over 30 years ago, AFRDI is a not for profit organisation that specializes in furniture testing and writing of furniture safety standards that often become the basis for Australian standards. Based in Launceston (Tasmania), AFRDI is at the forefront of furniture testing worldwide and works closely with leading manufacturers to ensure performance and sustainability in their products. Wortley Group have been long time members of AFRDI and Ben Wortley has been a voluntary contributor on their Board of Directors since 2005.
Sustainability
APCO Accreditation
The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is a not-for-profit organisation leading the development of a circular economy for packaging in Australia. As an APCO industry member, Wortley Group is committed to reducing the environmental impact of packaging and reducing waste within the organisation.
POLLAST!C
POLLAST!C is packaging made from recycled Ocean Bound Plastic pollution rescued from coastal communities throughout Southeast Asia.This packaging actually cleans up the environment and helps break the cycle of poverty and plastic pollution at the same time.Wortley Group uses custom POLLAST!C wrapping for all orders and this wrapping can be recycled with soft plastics.
Product Testing & Accreditation
AWTA
AWTA Product Testing is based in Melbourne and offers certified independent testing for a broad range of industries within Australia and International markets. Wortley Group uses AWTA to test all potential Wortley Group Textiles to ensure performance before they are considered for inclusion. Fabrics are tested by AWTA for Flammability, Martindale Abrasion, Seam Slippage and Pilling. Test certificates can be provided on request.
Oeko-Tex
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 sets the benchmark for textile safety, from yarn to the finished product. Many Wortley textiles are OEKO-TEX certified meaning that they have been tested against a list of over 1,000 harmful substances and are safe to humans and the environment.
Sustainable Energy
Our head office is powered by Solar energy further reducing our carbon footprint. For further info, refer to our Sustainability Policy.