Australian bootmaker R.M.Williams has boosted its production capacity by 90 per cent since being acquired by Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s private investment vehicle Tattarang five years ago with the official opening of a second workshop this week in Adelaide’s north.
The workshop has been described by Tattarang as a significant investment in local jobs, skills and manufacturing capacity in addition to an investment in Australian-made craftsmanship.
The new facility is located next to R.M.Williams’ existing Frost Road bootmaking site after a portion of the new workshop building was secured 24 months ago.
Tattarang, which acquired R.M.Williams from US private equity group L Catterton in 2020, says the transition of manufacturing lines is now complete and the rest of the building has been acquired.
The new 20,000sqm facility boosts R.M.Williams’ manufacturing and distribution footprint in Adelaide to 29,500sqm.
“We bought this iconic business five years ago with a promise to invest in Australia and to bring more manufacturing back onshore,” says Forrest.
“Fast forward five years and I’m proud to say we are delivering on that promise. This new facility strengthens our commitment to keeping Australian manufacturing alive and thriving.
“This expansion is about creating jobs, passing on skills and making sure every pair of RM boots is a piece of homegrown excellence.”
Since Tattarang’s acquisition, R.M.Williams has created more than 350 new jobs.
The private investment company also added iconic Australian hat company Akubra to its stable in 2023.
“As custodian of R.M.Williams, it is a continuing responsibility to ensure Tattarang’s stewardship of this great company strengthens Australian manufacturing, supports local communities and nurtures the next generation of craftsmen and women who carry this legacy forward,” says Nicola Forrest.
“The home of RMs has always been, and always will be, South Australia. There is immense pride in knowing the world’s best boots are still made right here in Salisbury - by Australians, for the world.
“That tradition of craftsmanship and place is what makes R.M.Williams so special, and it will always remain at the heart of this company.”
The new workshop, which has been built to cater for growing global demand for R.M.Williams clothing and apparel, is officially named Bushman’s Base, backed by a final vote by R.M.Williams employees.
The facility is home to R.M.Williams’ craft and clothing workshops and the world-renowned boot repair service, where up to 30,000 pairs of boots are received annually from around the globe to be repaired and resoled by skilled South Australian craftspeople.
The workshop also introduces a dedicated leather wallet production line, bringing this specialist craft in-house for the first time.
Tattarang says wallets will be handcrafted in Adelaide by skilled artisans trained in new techniques, underscoring R.M.Williams’ commitment to local manufacturing and preserving traditional craftsmanship.
“South Australia has a proud history of innovation and craftsmanship,” says South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas.
“R.M.Williams’ decision to grow its operations here reflects our state’s strength as a hub for high-quality, sustainable manufacturing.
“This expansion is a powerful vote of confidence in our people, in their skills, their creativity and their ability to deliver world-class products to customers around the globe.”
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