Fashion businesses flock to save iconic knitting mill Silver Fleece from administration

Fashion industry leaders have taken a dyed-in-the-wool stance to protecting Australian clothing manufacturing through an effort to save the operations of iconic Adelaide knitting mill Silver Fleece, a 73-year-old company that went into administration last month.

At a general meeting on 26 June it was resolved that the company be wound up, but now Sunset Lover, the Australian Fashion Council and other fashion brands have come together in a bid to acquire the mill.

To do so they need to raise a further $1 million from interested parties by 30 July. 

Silver Fleece has a legacy of producing Australian cricket team jumpers for the past 40 years, and that contract is still in place alongside others for corporate wear and school leaver jumpers for more than 75 schools across the country. Before appointing Clifton Hall's Daniel Lopresti and Simon Richard Miller as administrators last month, the company had been owned and operated by Cathy Barton since 2003.

Sunset Lover founders Melanie and Dean Flintoft are leading the charge to revitalise the mill, describing it as the perfect platform to produce the highly coveted Australian-Made product locally, with 20 skilled staff and technicians ready to resume as soon as possible at the site in Hindmarsh.

"In addition to current contracts, there is enormous opportunity for growth and expansion with some immediate investment, the right management who is experienced in fashion and can-do approach," says Melanie Flintoft.

She says existing contracts have the mill operating at 50 per cent of its overall capacity, so the potential for expansion is huge. 

"When you think about corporate clients who must buy Australian-manufactured products and the rising demand for sustainable product, the opportunities are obvious, and Australian suppliers limited," she says.

"Qantas, South Australian Police, the 10,000 Australian schools and 70,000 registered not-for-profit sporting clubs are just the tip of the iceberg."

Australian Fashion Council CEO Jaana Quaintance-James says an investment in Silver Fleece represents a profound commitment to Australian manufacturing, a skilled female workforce, and the enduring legacy of Australia's wool and textile industry.

"Supporting this heritage knitting mill not only fortifies the use of high-quality Australian wool yarn but also uplifts our local farmers, preserves the skills of our artisans, and can help reduce environmental impact," Quaintance-James says.

"Silver Fleece is a testament to the excellence and resilience of Australian craftsmanship."

Silver Fleece was established in 1951 and has a rich lineage of Australian craftsmanship and resilience. Its technicians are primarily women and include younger employees eager to learn and preserve the artisan craft.

"There is so much opportunity to revitalise this mill and we are seeking like-minded investors that care about local manufacturing to raise $1 million by COB (close of business) Tuesday, 30 July to help save the jobs of these skilled workers, protect Australian craftmanship and long-term effects on the Australian wool industry," says Melanie Flintoft.