Since 1968, Castledex has been a leader in supplying commercial furniture, FF&E, and specialist storage solutions. From large-scale office fit-outs to heritage preservation projects, we bring innovation, integrity, and impact to everything we do. With a national presence across Australia and New Zealand, our team delivers solutions that empower people and protect cultural collections for generations to come.
A Visionary Beginning
The Castledex story begins with Ian Dewar, born in Essex, United Kingdom, in 1919 to Scottish parents. The youngest boy among three sisters, Ian grew up tough, developing resilience and resourcefulness that would define his career. After serving as an aircraft mechanic during World War II, he joined Roneo Vickers, one of the world’s leading suppliers of office equipment. Known for innovations such as the rotary duplicator and early filing systems, Roneo gave Ian the platform to rise quickly from sales into management.
In the mid-1960s, Ian was appointed Managing Director of Roneo Vickers in South Africa. But as the company began closing offices around the world, he saw the writing on the wall and decided to build something of his own. Around this time, he met Elinor, who was travelling through South Africa and later become his wife and partner in business. Together, they founded Castledex in 1968.
Entrepreneurial Foundations
In 1983, Ian and Elinor relocated to Perth, Western Australia, with their three sons, Kevin, Craig and Bruce. Here, Ian patented the Fullvue KolorKode® filing system, a colour-coded approach that transformed record management for hospitals, medical practices, and corporate offices.
KolorKode grew to become one of Australasia’s largest filing system businesses, distributed widely across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. While Castledex has since sold the KolorKode brand, its pioneering influence remains central to the company’s DNA: inspiring solutions that maximise space, efficiency, and value.
Evolution
With Ian’s guidance, Bruce began his journey in the warehouse, as his father insisted, learning every part of the business from the ground up. It was there he understood that Castledex was never just about selling products. It was about providing solutions that made a meaningful difference to workplaces.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Dewar family strengthened this foundation and, in 2002, acquired the Dexion franchise in Western Australia. As workplace needs shifted in the 2000s with the rise of open-plan environments, digital systems and integrated delivery, Castledex adapted to meet the changing landscape.
In 2012, Bruce Dewar launched Castledex MKII, reimagining the business for a new era. That same year, he recruited Ben Martin as Marketing Manager. Ben’s energy and leadership quickly saw him rise to General Manager and, ultimately, CEO. Today, Ben carries the Castledex vision forward, blending heritage with innovation to lead the company’s national growth.
Castledex Today
Under Ben Martin’s leadership, Castledex has entered a dynamic new era - one defined by national growth, innovation, and a deep commitment to its founding values. Ben has led the company through significant expansion, overseeing major warehouse developments and positioning Castledex as a trusted partner for projects of both cultural and national importance. Most importantly, he has fostered a culture of collaboration, creativity, and client-first delivery, ensuring the business continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
In recent years, Castledex has expanded with a flagship showroom in Perth’s CBD, extended warehouse capacity to 4,400m², and launched operations in Queensland. Today, more than 100 full-time staff across Australia (WA, QLD, SA) and New Zealand bring the Castledex vision to life, creating inspired spaces and safeguarding heritage for generations to come.
Castledex is now a nationally recognised company working across three market segments
1. Spaces That Inspire
Designing and delivering modern, functional, and human-centred spaces that empower people to do their best work - from agile offices to education and health spaces
2. Integrated Project Solutions
Providing true concept-to-completion project management - from specification and procurement to installation and aftercare — trusted by leading builders and clients including the landmark Optus Stadium.
3. Cultural & Specialist Storage
Delivering world-class storage systems for museums, galleries, libraries, and archives — safeguarding collections and cultural heritage across Australia and New Zealand.
From Ian and Elinor’s entrepreneurial leap in South Africa to today’s national presence, Castledex has always been about anticipating change and building for the future. More than 50 years on, our values remain constant and continue to guide everything we do:
Integrity demonstrates how much we value honesty. It infuses fairness, trust and respect for our clients and each other.
Creativity opens our minds, encouraging us to embrace risk and helping us find innovative solutions to problems for our clients and our industry
Family is at the heart of Castledex, creating a warm, caring, inclusive working environment that welcomes clients and suppliers as part of our extended family.
Responsibility gives us our sense of purpose, building the resilience and accountability we need to focus on solutions, not problems.
Excellence is the everyday goal at Castledex, inspiring us to deliver the best-in-class quality and service, knowing these are the keys to continued success
