AUSTRALIAN MADE - EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY
A little about QuikShade® - It all began in 1985, an Australian company made high-quality pop-up tents and gazebos. Ian McKinnon made the first prototype, and the patent applied in 1987.
From a factory in Casino, in the Northern Rivers in New South Wales, the frames are constructed by hand from Australian aluminium. Furthermore, the Company uses locally produced nylon brackets, and almost every hole is hand drilled. The process has steadily progressed over the last 30 years, and we now use a pneumatic drill press to drill the holes in the roof struts. Australian hands still finish many other components!
So much today is produced in mass, by robots, or imported from cheap labour countries where quality standards may not be 100%. It's refreshing to know there are still people here in Australia who take pride in their work and apply their skills to produce a top-quality product. Let's meet some of those Australian workers hands!
About QuikShade® FRAMES - ALL HAND MADE
Wal has been working for QuikShade® since 2000. With over 20 years of experience with QuikShade® frames, he knows the quality expected to bear the name QuikShade®. Wal has seen more than half of all the QuikShade® frames ever built. His attention to detail and the high standard of his work ensure that today's structures are as good, if not better, than those made over 22 years ago. Some of those old frames are still in use today!
The Process
From receiving the delivery of aluminium from Brisbane, Wal checks the quantity and quality of every piece that passes through his hands. If it fails the "Wal Test" because it has a small mark, it may be good enough for a "seconds frame". Also, if it's 3mm too short, he simply won't use it! Wal is a man who cares about quality and excellent artistry as he values the reputation of QuikShade®. All our high-quality products must last a lifetime.
In the photo, Wal is fixing the 50mm bolt and washer set on a pair of the pro struts (there are 12 pairs of struts in a 3m QuikShade® frame). He fits a 40mm bolt and washer set on each strut, which he will complete once the frame is assembled. Every 40mm bolt is checked by hand for tightness. Too tight or too loose, and the frame is more difficult to put up; getting it right is crucial. Once the frame is "just right", it will operate correctly for 20 years or more.
Attention To detail - 20-year limited lifetime warranty
This attention to detail and using quality components manufactured in Australia by Australians is why QuikShade® frames have a 20-year limited lifetime warranty. This security is for failure through normal wear and tear. Jeff Robinson (the prior owner for 15 years) told me when I discussed the new warranty with him, "Do it – you will die before a QuikShade® does!"
More About QuikShade® - IN HOUSE SEWING AND TEXTILE PROFESSIONAL
Ann started working at QuikShade® in 2002. With many years of experience in fabric construction, her exceptional expertise is vital to QuikShade®. Over the years since Ann first joined, there have been many changes in the types of fabrics and threads available. Some of the threads we once used came from the UK. Sadly the industry there has declined, and those products are no longer available. Many new threads are polyester-based, but with the Australian climate, we need a thread that is also UV resistant. Natural threads that are cotton-based we did use once when sewing canvas type materials, but they tended to swell.
Improved Product
We have recently imported a thread from America that is both strong, UV resistant, and anti-wicking. Additionally, we have returned to how some seams made over 25 years ago used to be, but now we treat every stitch hole with a Poly-vinyl sealant. The cover fabric used today is 500 denier PVC coated polyester. Also, this fabric provides 98% protection from UV and is waterproof. Furthermore, it's less inclined to shrink; the natural fibres used before tended almost always to shrink.
A QuikShade® cover is designed to be quite tight; this assists in rain runoff from the higher peak in the frame. Reinforcing patches are applied in the peaks and wherever a stainless steel press button is attached.
Ann continues to show pride in her work; if you find a QuikShade® label inside your cover with AS on the back, Ann made it! She also prepares designs and templates for custom sewing services available from QuikShade®.
Ann cares about her work and ultimately, the end-user - YOU!
ABOUT OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE
Lesley is my wife, born and bred in Casino, NSW. Lesley manages the sales office and is head of the sales team, dealing with the many inquiries each day. Her day is continually busy, responding to emails, telephone calls, faxes, and yes, we still get the occasional letter! Lesley has it covered, from the initial inquiry to our graphics designer's quote and artwork preparation.
Her multitasking skills include sending emails, complimentary artwork proofs, redrawn logos and information to clients, collecting payments, putting orders into production, and checking on deadlines and production schedules. A day that is often non-stop from start to finish.
Lesley has always worked in an environment where the customer comes first. Therefore, she is still mindful of the extensive experience we have through people like Wal and Ann. Lesley values their expertise and often seeks their opinion in the best way to produce an item that a particular customer requires. Each client we have is important, and each job has its own requirements; these hands are the ones that take care of your inquiry.
QuikShade® has been an excellent product for over 30 years, from the prototype in 1985 through to today and into the future. Australian hands will continue to produce QuikShade® frames, covers and other custom sewing projects for Australians and Australian Clubs, Organisations and Companies. The list of customers that QuikShade® have supplied to over the years seems endless. If you name a large organisation, company, government department, charity, type of sport, QuikShade® at some point have no doubt supplied to them.
YOU CAN RELY ON THE QuikShade® BRAND
My name is Jeremy, and I am the Director of QuikShade®.
At QuikShade®, I have a great team of caring employees. Their friendship, support and continuous hard work I value immensely.
We work well together and are all critical "cogs" in the significant QuikShade® wheel!
We are an accomplished business, proficient in what we do. Our products are of the highest quality and created by skilful people.
It's about QuikShade® producing what clients want!
CONTACT SALES
PRODUCT INFORMATION
PRODUCTS
PLEASE CALL ME
Let our friendly staff call you.
We will answer all your questions.
Testimonials
Yamaha Racing
Yamaha Queensland handed over a blue Quikshade with a White Yamaha logo way back at the end of the 1997 season. I’m still using that very same tent today, without any modifications, damage or faults. It has been everywhere from Perth, to Darwin, Melbourne to Cairns and stands the test of time and the rear of a motocross van.
So when I came about organising the Yamaha Queensland Race teams and wanted to have a bold presence in the pits and something that would last out more than just one season, the Quikshade Tent was the only option. Quikshade offers a great construction, value for money, easy to erect, no fuss tents and shades that look great and work all day, every day.
Scott Bishop – Team Manager
ApexActive Motorsport
“Really delighted with the ease of putting up the tent and how strong it
was when the wind blew up during the day. I will recommend your tents to my motorsport clients.”
Doug Stuart
Billabong Australia
To whom it may concern,
Billabong has worked with a number of other portable shade brands. From previous experiences dealing with other sponsors products supplied to competitions across Australia and overseas, we prefer, choose and recommend the Quikshade Australia brand.
Through these experiences we have found Quikshade to meet our heavy demands in touring, branding and protection. It’s built to withstand tougher conditions by the sea. Due to the superior construction I believe the aluminium rolled edges in the frame have been more beneficial in meeting the demands of sand and salt. With Quikshade there are no concerns with sand getting stuck in reinforced cavities of struts and legs. We just give it a whack and it falls out ready for transporting to the next venue.
With the Quikshade Australia brand it takes less energy to maintain, and I like that! Its simple and it works, every time, all the time…..
Bushy Mitchell
Event Operations Manager
Billabong
Little Athletics – Sunnybank
“I have put up lots of brands of portable shelters for Little Athletics clubs over the years and I know you can see the difference between them. Quikshade is our chosen brand because it’s stronger, sturdier, more stabilised in all weather conditions. It just doesn’t get tossed around in the wind. This means our investment and our kids are safe.”
Mal Currie – Equipment Manager
Sports Office Administrator
Dear Sir/Madam,
We have had our 4.5 x 3m Quikshade for 4 years and have only just ordered our first spare part which was broken due to very heavy winds.
We use it for all our sports carnivals, representative events and Open Day (approx 10 times a year).
We love the Quikshade because it is so easy to assemble, the advertising space is great and it is functional as well as practical.
Many Thanks
Di Chambers
Dear Jeremy,
I refer to our discussion this morning re. the above. It amazes me that you can still supply a canopy for my Quikshade even though it is 14 years old. That’s a quality product for you! My friends who have Quikshades that are 12 & 16 years old will be pleased that most parts are still available. Mine has withstood gale force winds & been blown over several times without any noticeable damage. As my mate says ‘get what you pay for’! The only gripe I have is the price. You still charge (July special) the same amount I paid 14 years ago!
Regards,
Richard Gagie
Ormeau QLD 4208
- Richard Gagie
East Maitland Rotary have 2 Quickshade marquees.
They have serviced us for several years, being used every month at a local car parts retailer, exposed to extreme winds on roadside flower stalls and as shelter for a host of events. Once a year we borrow 5 other marquees – the quality difference between a Quickshade and the others is clearly evident. This year we had to send one of the borrowed marquees to the dump after the wind turned it inside out, while the Quickshades were left standing to the last minute as we trusted their strength. They are still as good today as the day we purchased them many years ago with the covers possibly due for replacement in the next 12 months – this is after about 8-10 years of use. A true ‘once in a lifetime investment.’ Brian Coffey.
- East Maitland Rotary Club
Let Us Quote Your Purchase
Just as no 2 beers are the same, nor are 2, 3m x 3m tents the same! Especially the QuikShade®. Please take the time to read a few points about the ‘real’ differences, because it makes a world of difference to the end result of your investment.
Telephone: 1800 678 982
Fax: (02) 66628082
Email: sales@quikshade.com.au
Address:
10 Cassino Drive,
Casino,
NSW 2470