Eco Structures Australia
Eco Structures is a global leader in glamping and eco-friendly construction, specialising in creating manufacturing solutions for remote locations.
Need
As Eco Structures expanded internationally and larger projects came into the pipeline, it needed additional financing to support cash flow.
Solution
Since 2019, we have provided Eco Structures with a range of loans to support various global projects.
Eco Structures is a global leader in glamping and eco-friendly construction. As growing international demand brought larger and more complex projects, we worked alongside Eco Structures to deliver the finance needed to manage cash flow and support its continued expansion across global markets.
In the wake of a tropical Queensland cyclone in 2000, the idea to design more resilient eco-friendly structures took hold. By 2009, the first Eco Structures tents were developed using a unique construction system designed to withstand Region D cyclones, and by 2011, Eco Structures officially launched as a glamping supplier.
Using innovations like concrete-free eco anchors, galvanised steel for coastal regions and elevated structures that adapt to any terrain, its solutions quickly gained worldwide interest. Its early export successes in 2016 to the US Virgin Islands and China paved the way for international expansion.
We would have struggled with cash flow and delivery for some of these major overseas projects if we did not have the support from Export Finance Australia. The team helps you from start to finish and is always there if you have questions, offering support and direction.
Lesley Guntrip
Chief Financial Officer, Eco Structures
With a mission to ‘provide stunning, low-impact accommodations that support both people and the environment,’ Eco Structures’ unique designs can now be found right across Australia, from the Blue Mountains in NSW to Rottnest Island in WA and across global locations, including New Zealand, China and the United States.
Finance to support the delivery of global projects
With export orders increasing and projects growing in scale, Eco Structures faced the challenge of financing major international contracts while maintaining healthy cash flow.
When investigating options for finance, Eco Structure’s Owner and Director, Karl Plunkett, was recommended to reach out to our team at Export Finance Australia.
Since 2019, we have provided Eco Structures with a range of finance solutions, including Small Business Export Loans, Export Contract Loans and an Export Line of Credit, to support a number of its contracts across the world.
Our finance helped Eco Structures deliver more than 60 Eco tents across a range of projects, including in Thailand, Laos and the United States.
“The finance from Export Finance Australia relieved the pressure on our cash flow when we were delivering larger projects,” explained Lesley Guntrip, Chief Financial Officer at Eco Structures. “It ensured that we could make payments to our overseas suppliers on time, which ultimately ensures our projects are delivered on time and to schedule.”
“The team is always very informative and looking at ways to help. They understand our products, international clients and markets and have always been efficient and productive when we have requested finance support.”
The next steps for further growth
With proven success in the Asia-Pacific and North America, Eco Structures is now turning its sights to Europe, where several projects are already underway. The business is also building on its strong track record in Asia, with expansion plans across the region.
