Our factories
Over the course of 30 years we have naturally worked with many factories across the world. We began production in Australia and New Zealand but with increasing costs and reduced support for local manufacturing we moved production offshore to China. In 2024 we are proud to say we began manufacturing some products in Australia again and are constantly looking at ways to continue doing this.
Australia
It all started with a hopeful email in 2023. After spotting the Defy name on a chair while out for ice cream, we reached out—curious and excited about the possibility of creating something new together.
Before we knew it, we were in a kick-off meeting, not just with designers, but with fellow parents. Every conversation circled back to our kids—what we loved (and didn’t love) about the products we were using, and how we could make them better.
China
We work closely with several factories in China - two of which we've partnered with for over 10 years, and a third since 2023, where a strong relationship is quickly taking shape. We visit these factories at least twice a year, bringing Tim Tams, Pods, and Vegemite (not a hit) in our suitcases. These visits are about more than just product development and quality control - they’re a chance to connect, collaborate, and keep things personal.
We're highly selective about the factories we work with. Every one of them is family-run and aligned with our values. They know each member of our family and team, and every visit feels more like catching up with friends than a business trip.
One of our factory partners is led by an incredible woman whose journey continues to inspire us. She began her career in a traditional office job with little flexibility. But when her daughter started kindergarten, the realities of parenting became clear. Someone needed to pick her daughter up at 4 p.m., and her job wouldn’t allow it. With her husband working as a travelling diplomat, she made a bold choice: she left her job to become a sales representative so she could be there for her family.
It was a courageous move for someone supporting a young family. But she quickly recognised a gap—her clients were looking for more unique designs and higher quality products. So in 2007, she started her own business.
Today, she runs a factory with around 70 employees and has created a workplace that reflects the values she once needed herself—flexibility, respect, and opportunity. Her story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight path, and that putting family first can lead to something extraordinary.
Quality control
We work hand-in-hand with a trusted managing agency who steps in when we can’t be on the ground in China. They help inspect every batch and support our ongoing operations. Over the years, they've become more than partners—they’ve become close friends. We've visited them in Sweden so our kids could play together, explored China side by side on hikes, shared meals, and even invited them to a family wedding.