Planex

17/02/2026

Design that cares — for people, place and culture.

Within the Minderoo Children’s Cancer Centre (Levels 3–4), Planex lockers become more than storage.

Custom xLocker2 banks feature the Miimii perforation by First Nations designer Lucy Simpson, expressed in terracotta, eucalypt and blaze blue tones — celebrating Country while creating warmth and identity within a highly sensitive healthcare setting.

A reminder that functional elements can also carry meaning, story and care.

Photography:

11/02/2026

Designed to adapt — at every scale.

With over 2,500 lockers and 130+ S. Series cabinets installed at UNSW Health Translation Hub, this is one of Planex’s largest projects to date. The modular nature of xLocker2 enabled efficient installation across expansive zones, including an eight-metre continuous run within the main atrium.

Custom S. Series units with writable whiteboard doors double as storage and collaboration surfaces — supporting agile work, visual privacy and flexibility across teaching and research environments.

Smart detailing. Seamless integration. Built to evolve.

10/02/2026

Layering. Transition. Rhythm.

The interior design concept at the UNSW Health Translation Hub draws from the site’s original sand-dune topography and early cartography — interpreted through horizontal strata and tonal shifts throughout the building.

This narrative extends into the Planex xLocker2 system via a custom Freefold perforation pattern, graduating from 100% at the base to 30% at the top.

The result is a subtle visual gradient that reinforces the architectural language while maintaining a refined, integrated aesthetic across large shared spaces.


Photography

10/02/2026

A world-class environment for health, research and learning.

Planex is proud to have partnered with on the UNSW Health Translation Hub — a landmark project within Sydney’s Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct.

Spanning 14 levels and over 20,000 sqm, the Hub brings together education, research and clinical environments to support collaboration between students, researchers and health professionals at University of New South Wales.

Planex xLocker2 and S. Series systems were integrated across seven floors, delivering large-scale, modular storage that supports agile, people-centred workplaces — without compromising architectural intent.


Photography:

03/02/2026

Planex: New Leadership. Enduring Values.

About Leo Ryner

“After more than 30 years connected to Planex as a client, supplier, and partner, I’m genuinely excited to begin a new chapter by joining Planex itself.”

My relationship with Jean-Pierre and Planex spans many years. We first crossed paths while serving on a committee drafting the initial Australian standards for commercial furniture. Over time, Planex became a trusted supplier during my time at Furniture Australia, providing steel storage solutions, and later at Herman Miller Australia, supplying both storage and locally manufactured components for the Ethospace workstation system. More recently, through Black Fish Design and Planex Design, we’ve worked closely as partners, including developing and patenting of the xLocker2 system.
It's been a long, varied, and pretty special relationship and now this feels like a natural next step, moving from the edges of the Planex community into its centre.
So, what happens next? In many ways, the answer is simple. If it isn’t broken, there’s no need to fix it.

There are a number of principles that fundamentally define Planex, elements of its DNA that have underpinned its success for more than 50 years:
• 100% Australian-made products (not just assembled), using locally sourced materials wherever possible.
• Innovative, thoughtful design that is widely admired.
• A 50-year commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible design and manufacturing, long before it became fashionable.
• A workforce that’s genuinely valued and respected.
• Honest, long-term relationships with clients and supply partners.


These are not trends or marketing hype. They are principles Planex has consistently upheld throughout my involvement with the company, and they will not change. They don’t come cheaply, but cost has never been the point. While offshore manufacturing may suit others, it is simply not in Planex’s nature.

“I am looking forward to what comes next and to working with the team to build on what already makes Planex special.”

27/01/2026

Kapunda High School Reinstatement Project

Planex’s xLocker2 system was specified by Grieve Gillett Architects for the Kapunda High School reinstatement and restoration project, forming part of a new learning building within the broader restoration of the 1876 State Heritage-listed Eringa House precinct. The project follows the loss of nearby heritage classrooms to fire in 2022 and represents a sensitive response to both heritage and contemporary educational requirements.

Planex has supported Kapunda High School across multiple stages of redevelopment and growth, delivering a consistent locker solution that adapts to evolving teaching models and agile learning environments. The xLocker2 system was selected for its flexibility, durability and ability to respond to varied spatial and functional needs within the school context.

In this stage of the project, lockers are located within circulation corridors and finished in a Pale Eucalypt powder coat, allowing them to integrate seamlessly with the architectural palette of the learning spaces. The colour references the surrounding landscape and the sandstone tones of Eringa House, while the inclusion of First Nations Buunhu perforation by adds cultural significance and visual texture to the joinery elements.

Photography:

22/01/2026

Planex is back! Hard at work delivering and installing our xlocker2 system at Aquinas College in time for the start of 2026 school year. More images to come of this great education project.

16/12/2025

This year, as in years past, we have been inspired by the way our team, partners, clients, designers and architects have come together.

From all the Planex team, we wish you a safe, healthy, and joyful end to 2025, and we look forward to reconnecting with you in early 2026.

15/12/2025

In the archives this week I uncovered a Christmas newsletter from 1997, where Jean-Pierre Jardel laid out his “wish list” for the future.
Long before sustainability became a compliance requirement, he was talking about energy efficiency, minimising waste and “doing the right thing by the environment” – not as marketing, but as manufacturing philosophy.
Nearly three decades on, we’re still guided by the same principle: Do No Harm.
But today that legacy shows up in new ways – from local manufacturing with recycled Australian steel, to pioneering R&D that turns waste powder coat into circular materials and designing products that last decades rather than project cycles.
Sustainability isn’t a new initiative for us – it’s our origin story.
Protecting future generations isn’t a brand claim, it’s business as usual at Planex.
(If you’re exploring circular procurement or Australian-made alternatives for education or workplace projects, we’d love to connect.)

12/12/2025

08/12/2025

Ready to take the reins and be part of a great tight knit team? This is your chance to represent a true Australian manufacturing success story — and make a serious impact.

We are seeking an experienced Account Manager to service existing clients and develop new business opportunities across the Sydney and Brisbane markets.
The Role is based in Sydney.

Day to day, you’ll be:
• Owning and growing a pipeline of high-value opportunities
• Presenting to architects, designers, builders and PMs with confidence and polish
• Creating sharp, accurate quotes
• Following up and converting sales
• Keeping our CRM updated so the pipeline stays humming
• You’ll be Sydney-based but fully connected to our Melbourne team.
• There will be a requirement to travel interstate as required to meet with clients & also to attend meetings at our Melbourne based Head office.
If you thrive on autonomy and love the chase, this is your arena.

About You
You’re an energetic, self-driven professional who enjoys autonomy but values being part of a supportive national team.

You bring:
5+ years’ sales experience in commercial furniture
• A proven record winning work with Architects, Designers, Builders & PMs
• Confidence reading and discussing plans & drawings with Architects, Designers, Builders & Project Managers
• Excellent presentation, communication and follow-up ability
• Solid understanding of Microsoft Office
• Full working rights in Australia

About Us
For over 50 years, Planex has been the benchmark for premium lockers and steel storage in Australia.
We manufacture 100% in Melbourne, with a reputation built on:
• Exceptional quality
• Australian craftsmanship
• Design innovation
• Industry-leading environmental credentials
• Deep partnerships across corporate, government, education and health

Renumeration
The position comes with an attractive base salary + super, a car allowance & sales commission incentive.

If this sounds like your next big move, apply in writing to: [email protected]

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