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NEWS
System packs up permanently
Queensland slide-on specialist calls it quits after just over a year in businessAfter launching its first aluminium slide-on model in early-2016, Queensland’s System Campers has called it quits, blaming the high cost of manufacturing in Australia.
Designed to slide on to the trays of 4x4 dual-cab utes, the lightweight System Camper boasted a number of clever features, including a two-level, external slide-out kitchen and “pigeon pair” of 95 litre upright fridge/freezers.
However System Campers’ Darren Cardiff, who previously focussed on building mobile accommodation for the mining industry, said the cost of building the swish trayback campers locally became too much and he had to put down tools and let staff go at his Sunshine Coast factory.
“I can’t compete paying Australian wages,” he explained. “I can only really do work that sells for more than it costs.”
“I was subsidizing it pretty heavily and at some point in time it has to show some promise and deliver a positive return, which it wasn’t doing.
“Without going to Asia and having it built… I’m not capable of manufacturing in Australia and competing.”
Cardiff said he “sold a few” of the slide-ons, which were priced from around $10,000 to $36,000 depending on specification. The System campers were promoted at a number of camping and outdoor shows as well as through some quality online videos.
Now looking for his next business opportunity, Cardiff confessed he would still build the odd System camper but only if a buyer really wants it and is willing to pay.
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Written byChris Fincham
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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