Starleaton CEO Ben Eaton, whose company is now in liquidation after it failed to meet its monthly repayments promised to creditors, is yet to make an official statement about the latest state of affairs.

However, he has previously provided his perspective about the matter as the issue unfolded.

Below is a snapshot of some of his insights following several announcements:

April 2024: In his open letter and additional statements to the printing industry

On confirming that Starleaton is facing voluntary administration, Eaton said:

“Starleaton faced voluntary administration on 18 January of this year. The approval of the DOCA, achieved by a narrow margin with the administrator’s decisive vote, stands as a significant triumph for the Eaton family and the committed staff. This agreement ensures the fulfillment of all employee entitlements, including unpaid superannuation, albeit over a potential two-year period for full disbursement.”

On what the DOCA presents, Eaton said:   

“While unsecured creditors may recover only a portion of their dues, the DOCA presents a more favourable outcome compared to liquidation. Despite initial scepticism, the acceptance of the DOCA was bolstered by an $800,000 contribution from company founders Peter and Leanne Eaton, as well as Starleaton Pty Ltd. Ben Eaton’s commitment to allocate $33,000 per month for 24 months underscores a dedication to revitalising operations.”

On rectifying things where it can, Eaton said:

“While liquidation might have seemed easier with the FEG scheme covering staff entitlements, it was not an acceptable outcome, as it would have yielded no returns for other creditors. The intent behind entering into the DOCA is to honour the company’s past commitments, particularly in regard to staff entitlements, in their entirety. We are actively engaging with individual unsecured parties to achieve a mutually beneficial resolution. The DOCA grants us the opportunity to collaborate with suppliers and make good where we can.”

On Starleaton’s future activities, Eaton said:

“In the competitive landscape of the sign and display sector, Starleaton’s resilience shines through. Despite recent challenges, the company is poised to leverage its expertise and adaptability to thrive in the evolving market. Despite the swift adjustments made by particularly large international competitors, Starleaton remains unwavering in its commitment to employees and stakeholders. With a renewed focus and strategic direction, Starleaton is primed to emerge strong, reaffirming its position as a prominent player in the industry.”

On his responsibility over the business, Eaton said:

“The financial health of the business is ultimately my responsibility. Starleaton has been a trusted partner for many businesses over the 45 years we have operated, and it is my mission and intention to see us continue in business and rebuild from here. Actions speak louder than words, and my focus is clearly on the task at hand. Again, I want to apologise to all of those caught in the crossfire and give my commitment to rectify where we can.”

October 2024: During his preparation for new product launches in 2025

On the re-emergence of the Starleaton business, Eaton said:

“As soon as Starleaton went into voluntary administration the assumption was, as it is more commonplace, that we would go into liquidation. Our current warehouse clearance campaign has gone off with a bang, with many companies contacting us not realising that we are still trading.”

On what business followed six months after voluntary administration, Eaton said:

“It is now six months since Starleaton emerged from voluntary administration and we are very excited about what the future holds for us. We are very pleased to confirm that we have shipped products to over 800 companies since we have re-commenced normal trading operations in April and we would like to thank all of those customers who continue to do business with us every day across Australia and New Zealand.”

On what Starleaton’s customers expect, Eaton said:

“I want to get a strong message out to the market that we are not only continuing to trade but we have a stable business that continues to provide reliable supply to the market. Our customers have expressed a strong message that they want us to remain part of the supplier landscape providing additional competition from an Australian owned family business in a rapidly shrinking market dominated by foreign owned companies.”

On the future of Starleaton, Eaton said:

“We have always wanted to deliver a point of difference to the market, and Starleaton is working through what that point of difference will represent in 2025 and beyond as we re-emerge and re-create our business structure for the future.”

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