Glen Dimplex Acquires Real Flame in Australia
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
From Architecture & Design
The Glen Dimplex Group proudly announces the acquisition of the iconic Melbourne-based Australian gas fireplace company, Real Flame. Combined with the existing brands of Dimplex, Nobo, Masport, Osburn and Escea, the acquisition takes Glen Dimplex Australia to an unrivalled position in the Australian heating and fireplace market.
Founded in 1973, Glen Dimplex, the world's largest manufacturer of electrical heating systems, also holds significant global market positions in domestic appliances, cooling, ventilation, and renewable energy solutions. Glen Dimplex Australia is now in its tenth year, with Real Flame representing the first Australian acquisition for the group.
Real Flame managing director Mark Blankfield says the two companies share the same philosophies, namely, care and consideration for those “family members” who make up the team, and pride in their respective brands. Commenting on the acquisition, he said Glen Dimplex brought a wealth of experience, knowledge and technical ability to the table, which will take Real Flame to the next level as the preeminent manufacturer and distributor of quality gas fire products.
Based in Scoresby, Melbourne, Real Flame has been designing and manufacturing gas fireplaces in Australia for over 30 years, establishing itself as a leading brand with a significant following in the architect and specifier community. To this end, Real Flame introduced the Architectural Design Award to foster innovation within the Australian design industry.
Real Flame operates company showrooms in Richmond and Scoresby in Victoria, as well as Chatswood in New South Wales, complemented by a large distribution network of showrooms in every state excluding the Northern Territory.
Underlining the importance of the acquisition, Glen Dimplex Australia managing director David Woodward explained that the brand will now be able to have its own manufacturing facility, which will put them on the map and enhance their credibility. Glen Dimplex plans to continue to design and build world-class products at Real Flame’s existing site in Scoresby.
The company also aims to leverage Real Flame’s long-term relationships with architects, interior designers and specifiers to introduce other group brands to these important decision-makers in the near future.
Welcoming the Real Flame brand into the organization, Group chairman and CEO Sean O’Driscoll added that they plan to build on the success and take the brand and the business to even bigger heights.
