Big Red Shade Products has been producing shade systems in Melbourne since 2002. Owner, Andy McGill had previously held senior positions with manufacturing companies across the globe.

Andy’s background in manufacturing, engineering, aircraft and tooling has led to positions in companies in the US, UK, Brazil and, since 1990, Australia.

Andy founded Big Red Shade Products P/L for an obvious but practical reason,

"...in Australia, shade is not going to go out of fashion in a hurry."

He wanted to meet an important demand of the alfresco dining market – outdoors dining with an emphasis on streetscape appeal and practicality.

The fixed umbrellas Andy had in mind needed to be clean looking and uncluttered under the canopy; they needed to remain permanently open rather than being closed after use and be engineered and wind rated to 148 kilometres an hour classified W41.

Andy also wanted his alfresco umbrellas to have the capability for heater attachment and their canopies to be a suitable surface for digitally printed logos etc.

After developing a concept that didn't require cross-tensioning cables, Andy submitted the plans to IP Australia. The result is a registered design for an alfresco umbrella that is attractive, uncluttered, yet far stronger than traditional umbrellas.

Big Red Shade Products also manufacture:
• Pool side umbrellas (5m across)
• Shade structures
• Custom awnings
• Conic and barrel style structures

They offer a full installation service, or can supply a completed product to customers who want to install it themselves. They will even supply components to customers who want to construct their own shade product.

3D design and imaging services are also available.

Big Red Shade Products guarantees “Everything we do is 100% locally manufactured and supported”.