Good Design is building new ideas on strong foundations.

True to the meaning behind the acronym – Good Design Matters – GDM recognises that the best design-thinking evolves and seeks to challenge itself, maintaining what is valuable and refining aspects that can be improved.

At GDM, we have recently embarked on a new era of innovation and improvement, building on our exceptional 45-year history as a leading retail fixtures designer and manufacturer. 

Following a change of ownership in 2024, our team has embraced an opportunity to refine our production processes, reinforcing our enduring goal for continual improvement as a design-led manufacturer.  

GDM is focused on enhancing capability through investment in new equipment, finding new efficiencies in manufacturing procedures, and extending our talent base with new skills. 

Innovative from the beginning

GDM was established by Michael Eden in 1978 in Whanganui, New Zealand. Under the guidance of Michael and wife Sandra, the one-man owner-operated venture grew to become an award-winning supplier of end-to-end retail solutions for high-profile national and international brands.

As GDM’s reputation and success grew, the Edens prioritised embracing technology, championing design-led manufacturing and expanding the business’ skill-base.  

GDM’s growth enabled the business to establish production support avenues in China, in the early 2000s, while maintaining and strengthening its Whanganui base. In 2005, GDM expanded across the Tasman and maintains a productive sales and logistical hub in Queensland, Australia.

New era reflects bright future

In 2024, Michael and Sandra announced new owners for GDM with the Bartley Group, an intergenerational family-owned company, moving to the helm. 

This continuity of local ownership along with the Bartley’s manufacturing sector roots, experience managing a diverse business base, and commitment to further growing the business, enabled a successful transition for GDM.

In addition to its diverse business portfolio, the Bartley Group has a proud history of supporting the local community, caring for people, and leading by example. The Group’s activities include the provision of access to important health services through its charitable arm, the Robert Bartley Foundation.

Led by local production, agile through global reach

GDM’s Whanganui design and manufacturing facilities remain the heart of our production while satellite operations support sales, logistics and production capacity. Co-manufacturing facilities in China enable GDM to be agile and responsive to production demands.

Throughout GDM’s national and international operations, quality standards are maintained through the principles of Lean Manufacturing and its continuous improvement model. 

Creative leaders in NZ’s UNESCO City of Design

GDM’s reputational strength extends beyond recognition by our sector peers and customers. GDM is among the leaders in design-manufacturing recognised for their contribution to Whanganui’s design provenance and growing profile. 

In 2021, Whanganui gained global recognition as a UNESCO City of Design. The designation celebrations Whanganui’s historic and contemporary design strengths and recognises the significant contribution of the city’s industrial and manufacturing sectors.

As a UNESCO City of Design, Whanganui is a contributor to UNESCO’s international Creative Cities Network. This connects Whanganui and its design-led businesses with the world’s most renowned creative cities and presents opportunities for collaboration and learning