We provide premium quality steel storage solutions for the office and home. Designed and made in Melbourne, our award-winning, customisable range is available in 300+ colours. Each product is designed with integrity and built to last.

Transitioning from academic research to manufacturing, Jean-Pierre Jardel has steered the company to pre-eminence in the field of high quality, sustainable manufacturing. He has expanded the business significantly, guided always by a strong, ethical commitment to customers, suppliers and employees. Jean-Pierre is driven to perfect product stewardship throughout his factory from design through to delivery.

Leo has 40 years of experience in the commercial furniture industry, beginning as a trainee industrial designer at CoDesign in the mid-1980s. He later worked in design, manufacturing, and management roles at Carmen Furniture, Furniture Australia, Herman Miller Australia, and Black Fish Design before partnering with Jean-Pierre to create Planex Design in 2005, and now joining Planex in 2025. Leo believes in supporting well-designed, high-quality, Australian-made products.

Shelley leads our Logistics and Project Management team, playing a key role across many areas of the business. With an extensive understanding of Planex’s operations and processes, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to managing the complex demands of her role. Since joining Planex in 1988, Shelley has contributed across numerous areas of the business, giving her a unique and invaluable understanding of Planex, its people, culture and operations.

Alex Jardel recently graduated from RMIT Industrial Design. He has been working at Planex for many years in a part-time capacity while he completed his degree. Alex is highly skilled in systems management and IT. He has been instrumental in setting up the new Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP) for Planex.

Michael is responsible for the day-to-day management of Planex’s manufacturing operations and factory team, bringing extensive technical knowledge and more than three decades of experience with the company to his role. He joined Planex in 1995 after graduating from Swinburne University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Michael’s connection to Planex began through his grandparents’ relationship with Fernand Jardel, the company’s founder, which led to him starting his career at Planex as an Assembler. Since then, he has progressed through the business, developing a deep understanding of Planex’s products, manufacturing processes and operations, and playing an integral role in the company’s continued growth.

Gerard Ramirez has been an integral part of Planex since joining the company in 1987, bringing almost four decades of experience and an extensive knowledge of the business and its manufacturing operations. He oversees production, purchasing and planning, playing a key role in ensuring the efficient delivery of Planex’s manufacturing processes and continued commitment to quality local manufacturing.
Throughout his time at Planex, Gerard has embraced new systems and technologies that improve efficiencies, optimise costs and support a more sustainable business.

Nabhan joined Planex in 2022 as a Design Engineer, bringing a strong technical background and experience in the manufacturing industry to his role. He graduated from Monash University in 2019 with a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. At Planex, Nabhan is responsible for developing technical CAD drawings and works closely with the Sales and Manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical, accurate and fit for purpose. He has a strong interest in design, manufacturing and production, with a particular passion for solving complex technical challenges.

Elizabeth Mitchell is Planex’s Company Accountant, bringing a strong understanding of accounting and a lifelong fascination with numbers to her role. Since joining Planex in 2021, Elizabeth has become an integral part of the team, managing the company’s financial requirements with a highly organised, diligent and detail-focused approach. She enjoys the challenge of complex accounting and is committed to ensuring accuracy and efficiency across all aspects of her role. Elizabeth shares Planex’s values of excellence, innovation and sustainability.

Lee Turner looks after Planex across Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the built furniture industry to the role.
Since joining Planex in 2009, Lee has worked closely with Australia’s Architecture & Design community, combining product knowledge with a genuine understanding of what designers, architects and clients are trying to achieve.
Known for his trademark energy, infectious enthusiasm and very definite love of colour, Lee brings a “can do” attitude to everything he does. He’s a relationship person at heart — passionate about great design, great people and finding solutions that turn ideas into reality.
And if there’s an opportunity to add a little more colour along the way, Lee will usually find it.

Andrew commenced with Planex in 1985 and has made an invaluable contribution to the business throughout his long-standing career. With extensive experience across sales and a deep understanding of security requirements, Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role, particularly in working with government clients and managing sensitive security considerations. His longstanding industry experience and strong understanding of Planex make him a trusted and valued member of the team. Andrew is also a passionate advocate for local manufacturing, particularly where it delivers innovative, sustainable and considered design solutions.

Peter has more than 38 years’ experience in the commercial furniture industry, having commenced his apprenticeship with Carmen Furniture before joining Furniture Australia in the late 1980s.
With extensive industry experience, Peter brings a strong understanding of design, construction and project delivery, along with a practical, solutions-focused approach.
He specialises in building long-term relationships with architects, designers, builders, contractors and end clients, identifying opportunities and developing practical solutions that deliver commercial value and successful project outcomes.

Lisa is the Project Co-ordinator for Planex’s major project tenders, working closely with builders, clients, our sales team and logistics to ensure projects are coordinated seamlessly from start to finish. With a calm, considered and professional approach, Lisa expertly manages multiple projects and competing priorities, ensuring every detail is carefully considered and delivered to achieve successful and sustainable outcomes. Having been an integral part of Planex since 2003, Lisa’s extensive experience, knowledge and commitment make her a highly valued member of the team.

Emily joined Planex in 2017 and is our Sales Administrator, bringing extensive knowledge of our products and systems. She works closely with Account Managers and Project Co-ordinators to ensure every detail of a project is carefully considered and coordinated. Having begun her career in hospitality, Emily brings a strong customer-focused approach to her role, complemented by her calm, friendly and approachable nature. She enjoys being part of a collaborative team and working across a diverse range of complex projects.

Tyra joined Planex in 2021 after graduating from SAE with a qualification in Graphic Design and has since progressed to the role of Production Assistant. In her current position, Tyra works across the manufacturing plant, coordinating the requirements of the production process and overseeing the movement of goods and materials. Working closely with the Production Manager, Factory Manager and Administration team, she helps ensure production runs smoothly, efficiently and to the required standards. Tyra brings a strong eye for detail and a practical, organised approach to her role.

Charliece joined Planex in 2024 as an Administrative Assistant and has since progressed to the role of Order Entry Officer. In her current position, she works closely with Sales Representatives, Project Managers and customers to ensure orders are processed accurately and efficiently. Charliece is known for her reliability, attention to detail and commitment to providing a seamless experience for Planex clients. She takes pride in supporting both the internal team and customers throughout the order process.

Lily joined Planex in February 2026 as our Front of House and Administrative Assistant. Originally from Yarram, Lily completed her secondary schooling at Yarram Secondary College in 2023. Prior to joining Planex, she gained valuable experience working in a warehouse environment, developing a practical and hands-on approach that suits the fast-paced nature of our business. In her role at Planex, Lily manages incoming calls, welcomes visitors and provides a friendly and professional first point of contact for our clients, suppliers and team.