When BeMed acquired a new brand and needed contract packaging to move fast, they needed a supplier who could start quickly, maintain quality under volume, and turn around large orders on tight timelines. They chose Access Industries.
What followed was more than a reliable supply arrangement. It became a partnership that demonstrates what is possible when social responsibility and operational excellence are treated as the same goal, not competing priorities.
| Partnership at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Client | BeMed |
| Service | Contract packing, assembly and fulfilment |
| Location | Access Industries, Newcastle NSW |
| Combined heritage | 133 years (Access Industries 77 years, BeMed 56 years) |
| Employment impact | Supported employment for people with disability |
| Social procurement angle | Deliberate choice to partner with a disability employer |
The Challenge: Fast Setup, High Volume, No Margin for Error
BeMed is an established Australian business with a 56-year history. When they acquired a new brand, they needed contract packaging for key product lines, including their lupin hot and cold bags, without disrupting the production schedule already in place.
The requirement was clear: find a packaging partner who could understand the brief quickly, establish a process with minimal hand-holding, and deliver at volume without compromising on quality.
They turned to Access Industries Packing Solutions, a specialist contract packing and assembly operation based in Newcastle, NSW.
The Solution: Contract Packing by a Specialist Disability Employment Provider
Access Industries has been delivering packing solutions, assembly, and fulfilment services for Australian businesses for over 50 years. The Newcastle operation handles contract packing across a wide range of products, with consistent quality systems and an experienced team.
For BeMed, the onboarding process was faster than expected. Ryan Collins, BeMed’s Operations Manager, recalls:
“From our very first interaction, the team at Access Industries impressed us with their positive attitude, willingness to help, and ability to quickly understand what was required, despite receiving only limited instructions. They were able to establish the process and begin production in a remarkably short timeframe.”
Ryan Collins, Operations Manager, BeMed
The team’s ability to self-organise and set up production processes with limited direction is a reflection of the skills development work that underpins the supported employment model at Access Industries. Employees are trained not just to follow instructions but to understand the work they are doing.
The Social Procurement Choice: Why BeMed Chose a Disability Employer
Access Industries is an Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE), meaning its workforce is primarily made up of people with disability employed in a supported setting. For BeMed, this was not incidental to their decision. It was central to it.
“Choosing to work with a disability employer was an easy decision for us. We strongly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute meaningful work and be recognised for their skills and abilities. Partnering with Access Industries allows us to support employment opportunities for people with disability while working with a team that consistently delivers outstanding results.”
Ryan Collins, Operations Manager, BeMed
This reflects a growing trend in Australian supply chain management: businesses are actively seeking suppliers whose operations generate measurable social impact, not as a compromise on quality, but as an additional reason to choose them.
Social procurement, the practice of using purchasing decisions to generate social value alongside commercial value, is increasingly embedded in both government policy and private sector procurement frameworks in Australia. Partnering with an ADE like Access Industries satisfies both commercial requirements and social impact reporting obligations.
The Results: Quality, Speed, and a Relationship Built on Trust
BeMed regularly relies on Access Industries to handle significant volumes of work within tight timeframes. The feedback from their operations team has been consistent.
“Our experience with Access Industries has been exceptional. The professionalism of the team is evident in every aspect of the relationship. Communication is always prompt, clear and proactive, and every order is handled with a high level of care and efficiency. What continues to amaze us is the quality of the finished product and the speed at which the team can complete large volumes of work. We regularly rely on Access Industries to turn around significant orders within tight timeframes, and they consistently exceed our expectations.”
Ryan Collins, Operations Manager, BeMed
The outcomes across this partnership reflect what Access Industries aims to achieve with every commercial client:
- Fast onboarding with minimal lead time required from the client
- Consistent quality across high-volume production runs
- Proactive communication that keeps supply chains running smoothly
- Reliable turnaround even under tight deadline pressure
- Social impact generated through every order placed
About the Partnership
Access Industries and BeMed bring a combined 133 years of Australian business heritage to this partnership. Access Industries, founded in 1949 and celebrating 77 years of operation, has been providing supported employment for people with disability across Sydney, Newcastle, and Lithgow for over half a century. BeMed, with its 56-year history, is a respected name in the Australian healthcare and wellness products space.
The partnership is a working example of what Australian businesses can achieve when they align procurement decisions with community impact. BeMed has secured a reliable, high-quality packaging partner. Access Industries has secured a long-term commercial relationship that directly supports employment for people with disability in Newcastle.
“Access Industries has become a valued partner in our business. Their commitment to quality, reliability and customer service is second to none, and we are proud to support an organisation that makes such a positive impact in the community.”
Ryan Collins, Operations Manager, BeMed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is contract packing and what does Access Industries offer?
Contract packing (also called contract packaging) is when a business outsources the packing, assembly, or fulfilment of its products to a specialist provider. Access Industries offers contract packing, product assembly, pick and pack, and fulfilment services from its Newcastle and Sydney facilities. Services are delivered by a trained workforce operating within established quality and WHS frameworks.
What is social procurement and why does it matter for Australian businesses?
Social procurement is the practice of using purchasing and supply chain decisions to generate social value alongside commercial value. In Australia, government agencies are increasingly required to consider social impact in supplier selection. Private businesses are following suit, using social procurement to meet ESG and CSR reporting requirements and to actively contribute to inclusive employment outcomes. Choosing an Australian Disability Enterprise like Access Industries as a supplier is one of the most direct forms of social procurement available.
What is an Australian Disability Enterprise?
An Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE) is a business that primarily employs people with disability in a supported work environment. ADEs operate as real commercial businesses, supplying products and services to other businesses, government agencies, and not-for-profits. Access Industries is an ADE operating across Sydney, Newcastle, and Lithgow, with business operations in packing solutions, timber products, linen services, and industrial sewing.
Can any business partner with Access Industries for contract packing?
Yes. Access Industries works with businesses of all sizes across NSW and beyond. If you need contract packing, assembly, or fulfilment services, we welcome the conversation. Every commercial contract we take on directly supports employment for people with disability.
Where is the Access Industries packing operation located?
Access Industries packing solutions are delivered from our Newcastle facility (98 Donald St, Hamilton NSW 2303) and our Sydney facility (131 Station Rd, Seven Hills NSW 2147). We also operate at the Toll Kemps Creek Distribution Centre in Western Sydney.
Looking for a Packaging Partner in Newcastle or Sydney?
If your business needs reliable contract packing, assembly, or fulfilment services in NSW, Access Industries can help. Every order you place with us supports meaningful employment for Australians with disability.
Explore our Packing Solutions page to learn more about what we offer, or contact us directly to discuss your requirements.
Access Industries Newcastle: (02) 4088 5110 | Sydney: (02) 9854 2900 | info@accessindustries.com.au
Access Industries is an Australian Disability Enterprise providing supported employment, contract packing, timber products, linen services, and industrial sewing across Sydney, Newcastle, and Lithgow, NSW.