Company History

LADDER HISTORY

Ladders are an ancient tool. One of the oldest depictions of a ladder was found in the Spider Caves in Spain which dated to the Mesolithic period, over 10,000 years ago. The painting showed humans climbing the “flexible” ladder to collect honey from a bees nest.

Further development of ladders also occurred during medieval times as siege instruments. These ladders were much stronger, higher and larger to enable access over moats, cliffs and castle walls. Timber and ropes were probably the main elements used in the construction of these early ladders.

The industrial revolution changed work practices forever. Labour was divided into discreet functions to more efficiently produce a product. The specialist was born. Many of the new trades, such as engineers, required access to inspect and repair large steam engines and buildings. As people’s demand for access to heights grew their needs were meet with more portable ladders – lighter and stronger.

Ladders have evolved markedly over time. They have evolved from simple timber frames to versatile multi telescopic ladders.

HISTORY OF BAILEY

In Australia, Bailey is the number one ladder brand. Bill Bailey Snr founded Bailey Ladders in 1956. The first factory was located in Sydney which produced timber ladders.

In 1970, the founder’s elder son, Bill Bailey Jnr, set up a new factory in Brisbane. Bill Jnr, a qualified mechanical engineer, was committed to making ladders safer by reducing frame twist. Ten years of dedicated research and development resulted in a revolutionary manufacturing process called PUNCHLOCK®. This technology is still used today in the manufacture of quality products supplied to the market by Bailey.

In December of 1990 Hills Industries Limited bought the Bailey Ladder business from the Bailey family and continued to strive to make ladders a safer tool introducing innovations like Quicklock, The Ladder Leveller and Tri-bracing.

On June 28, 2013, Bailey Ladders was acquired by WernerCo, the world’s largest ladder manufacturer and the tradition of innovation to make safer access products continues.

Bailey has the largest range of ladders and access products in Australia. There is bound to be a ladder that suits your needs whether it is required for occasional use around the home or for heavy-duty industrial applications.