Floods, Fires, Pandemics…

Hanlon Windows stands strong and gets set for its next 40 years

Hanlon Windows is an Australian family business in every sense. In 2012 the baton was passed from founders Brian and Judy Hanlon to their son Chance, who has since brought his own adult children into the business.

The Hanlon Windows family business rose from humble beginnings supplying and installing windows from a two-car garage on the NSW South Coast, to a manufacturing unit and stateof-the-art showrooms at Bomaderry, Oak Flats and Sydney’s inner west.

Throughout this 40-year journey of growth, the business had to be saved through some pretty desperate measures. Chance Hanlon recalls, ‘My parents had to sell their home twice to keep the business funded and running. And nature hasn’t been too kind to us either … bushfires near the factory and countless floods around the area have been a huge challenge to tackle, adding to the normal pressures of running a factory.’

Few businesses have managed to pivot and stay relevant over the ever-changing economic and technological landscape of the last 40 years, but Hanlon Windows is still going strong and is proudly working alongside the third generation; Chance’s children Tim, Maddie and Bec.

The business has been a lifelong journey for Chance Hanlon, who has worked his way up from the warehouse, to accounts and then on to managing the group. He is delighted to see his three children now thriving in the business. ‘The interest and passion for our window business runs strong in this family. Each family member has a talent for working closely with customers and delivering them the best solutions’, says Chance.

We asked Chance’s daughter, and Hanlon Windows Marketing Manager, Bec Tucker what has enticed the third generation to stay in the family business. She replied, ‘We are led by passionate people who are good at their jobs and exceptionally good at evolving with the changing times. Hanlon has a strong, loyal workforce, and every employee is valued. We’ve recently farewelled two very valued staff members who have been with us for more than 20 years. Through tough times our leadership team was quick to adapt, willing to upgrade when required, and quick to notice the changes in demand for certain products and the need to shift the size, style, and energy efficiency needs of windows and doors.’

From 2013, Hanlon Windows aptly moved from producing cookie-cutter windows and doors to creating products for architecturallydesigned projects that demanded high quality and longevity. Hanlon changed how it manufactured windows and doors, upgraded its machinery, and took advantage of the latest technology, such as CNC machines, to optimise its manufacturing process. It has also introduced the latest gas lifting machinery to remove the strain of heavy lifting from its production team. All materials are made locally with Australian materials to withstand the harsh Australian climate.

The Hanlon family’s tenacity extends to taking on challenging projects and delivering high quality, no matter the circumstances. A great example of this is a recent project nestled on oceanfront land in Kiama NSW, dubbed the ‘Coastal Sensation’. It is a breathtaking architectural residence that comes to life thanks to its extensive use of windows, doors and glass and won Hanlon Windows a 2022 AGWA Design Award for NSW Residential Project Over $80K. Hanlon was engaged for the Kiama Project because of its expertise in working with Australian coastal locations and its products, which are ideal for the durability and energy specifications required of a harsh coastal-facing site. Large commercial-grade sliding stacking doors surround this home, opening the indoors to incredible surroundings. Sweeping panels of fixed glass combined with louvered windows and Aneeta sashless windows allow the homeowners to capture the stunning coastal breeze and use it to cool their home.

Another standout project for Hanlon Windows is the Bundaroo project: a heritagelisted house that consciously blends the old and new and maximises thermal efficiency, while being thoughtful of how the heritagelisted home presents from the street. Located within the Bowral Conservation Area, NSW, Hanlon thoughtfully considered every sustainability aspect of this home. A stunning louvered glass hallway to the guest wing has a thermally broken door at each end of the gallery to maximise the thermal efficiency and ventilation of the house, while creating a beautiful indoor/outdoor gallery space.

From a garage window business to a nationally-recognised window and door manufacturer, the third generation at Hanlon Windows is looking forward to the next 40 years of navigating and thriving in the Australian building industry.