Woods Furniture and Orrcon Steel Distribution: 

A partnership built on precision and trust

For more than seven decades, Woods Furniture has been designing and manufacturing innovative school furniture that transforms learning environments across Australia. From flexible seating to ergonomic desks, their products combine durability, function, and style, meeting the evolving needs of students and teachers alike. Behind every Woods Furniture product lies a network of local supply partners who share their commitment to quality and reliability.

Among those supply partners, Orrcon Steel Distribution stands out as a trusted steel supplier, providing thin gauge precision-engineered steel tube products that form the backbone of Woods Furniture’s manufacturing process.

​“We’ve been supplying Woods Furniture approximately 15 years,” says Gary Harkness, Account Manager at Orrcon Steel Distribution. “They’re one of the country’s leading educational furniture manufacturers and we’re proud to be supplying Australian, Orrcon Steel products to help bring their designs to life.”

Precision Tube: the foundation of function and form

Orrcon Steel thin gauge Precision tube is well known for its consistent dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and strength. Locally manufactured by Orrcon Steel Manufacturing in compliance to AS1450 and under an ISO9001 certified quality management system, each batch of tube is subject to multiple quality checks throughout the production process, ensuring every length adheres to strict tolerances and finish standards. Available in various profiles such as round, square, rectangular, and oval, these tubes are designed for applications where precision and consistency are essential.

“For us, that reliability is critical,” explains Nick Delic, CEO of Woods Furniture. “We design furniture that’s used every day by students across the country. We need to know that every steel tube we receive meets the exact specifications, so our frames, legs, and fittings align perfectly during production. Orrcon Steel products give us that confidence.”

Orrcon Steel Distribution supplies cut-to-length ERW Precision Tube, which reduces material waste and streamlines Woods Furniture’s production workflow. “Their ability to provide us with Precision thin-gauge material to exact lengths is a huge advantage,” says Nick. “It gives us efficiency while reinforcing our commitment to Australian-made quality and locally sourced materials.”

Aligned for success: managing seasonal demand

The relationship between Woods Furniture and Orrcon Steel Distribution is a strategic partnership built on shared planning and trust. Woods Furniture’s production is highly seasonal, peaking around the summer months when schools prepare for the new year. To be successful, suppliers need to forecast, produce and deliver seamlessly.

“The Orrcon Steel Distribution team works closely with us to align production schedules around our seasonal cycles,” says Nick. “When we ramp up, they’re ready. When we slow down, they adapt. That kind of responsiveness only comes from a partner who truly understands your business.”

Gary Harkness agrees, “Surety of supply is everything for Woods Furniture. We forecast ahead to ensure their product is available when they need it, whether it’s a full mill rolling or short lead-time top-ups. It’s a partnership that’s built on communication and responsiveness.”

Australian steel for Australian schools

Woods Furniture is proudly Australian-owned, with all its design and production work based in Victoria. For Nick Delic, “Working with local mills and suppliers like Orrcon Steel and Orrcon Steel Distribution keeps our supply chain strong and reliable,” he says. “It supports Australian jobs and ensures the quality of our products remains consistent. Our customers trust that when they buy Woods Furniture, they’re supporting Australian manufacturing.”

Innovation and collaboration

Innovation sits at the heart of Woods Furniture’s design philosophy, and the partnership with Orrcon Steel Distribution extends beyond supply; it’s a collaborative relationship that continually seeks improvement.
“As we develop new furniture designs, Orrcon Steel Distribution works with us to identify the most suitable tube sizes,” says Nick. “Sometimes that means testing a new gauge or exploring different types of tube products to improve durability and aesthetics. Having access to their local technical team makes that process much easier.”

Orrcon Steel Precision tube products is available with specialised finishes, giving Woods Furniture the flexibility to meet performance and appearance needs across various product lines. “That versatility lets us design furniture that not only performs but looks great in modern learning spaces,” Nick adds.

Built on people and purpose

Both companies share similar values: quality, reliability, and a people-first culture. “Our teams know each other well,” says Gary. “There’s mutual respect, open communication, and a genuine desire to see each other succeed. That’s what makes the partnership work.”

For Nick Delic, it’s that human element that makes Orrcon Steel Distribution stand out. “When you pick up the phone, you’re talking to someone who knows your business, understands your pressures, and wants to help. That kind of service is rare, and it’s something we truly value.”

The future for Woods Furniture

As demand for locally manufactured products continues to grow, both Woods Furniture and Orrcon Steel Distribution see an opportunity to strengthen their partnership. “We’re always looking for ways to innovate, whether that’s through material efficiency or sustainability improvements,” Nick explains. “With supply partners like Orrcon Steel Distribution, we know we have the support to keep moving forward.”

Gary Harkness agrees: “It’s a partnership that’s stood the test of time. We’ve grown together, adapted to market changes, and built a level of trust that delivers value to both businesses, and ultimately to every student that sits on a Woods Furniture chair or table.”

The collaboration between Woods Furniture and Orrcon Steel Distribution showcases the strength of Australian manufacturing partnerships, founded on shared values, technical excellence, and a commitment to quality. “It’s more than just steel and furniture,” Gary Harkness concludes. “It’s about two Australian companies working together to deliver quality, trust, and performance, year after year.”