New company Australian Textile Investments headed by woolgrower Floyd Legge, of Cudal in the Central West of NSW, has purchased Geelong Textile Group and is aiming to identify opportunities for business growth for the Victoria-based wool textile manufacturing company.
Geelong Textile Group, which comprises Geelong Textiles Australia and Geelong Dyeing, has operated and specialised in Australian wool since 1920, creating quality upholstery and apparel fabrics for commercial and domestic use.
After it went on the market last year for the first time in 50 years, it was purchased – and is now being managed by – by Australian Textile Investments (ATI), chaired by Floyd Legge, of Ridgehaven Poll Dorsets.
Mr Legge is a sixth-generation pastoralist whose family has been involved with fine Merino wool-growing for more than 150 years.
“While I will continue to maintain an active interest in the family wool-growing enterprise, along with my fellow ATI investors we view the purchase of the Geelong Textile Group as a positive and strategic move into an associated industry,” Mr Legge said.
“All of us have a passion for developing a uniquely Australian product and we believe the Geelong Textile Group has capability to do so.”
Mr Legge said ATI is committed to identifying opportunities for business expansion, building on the already excellent manufacturing values inherent in Geelong Textile Group.
“We knew at the time of purchase that we would need to relocate the weaving mill,” he said. “Since then, we have secured the lease of the neighbouring property to the dye house. This will allow for greater efficiencies and integration of the services we offer through Geelong Textiles Australia. Geelong Dyeing will remain in its current location for the foreseeable future.
“All staff and management have been offered continuing employment with ATI. We have also identified areas for growth in both businesses. This has the potential for additional employment, particularly for those with previous experience in the textile industry.”
Mr Legge said ATI purchased the textile businesses to secure wool manufacturing within Australia.
“Now is a great time to focus on the manufacturing of textiles in Australia,” he said. “Major disruption has been inflicted on the global supply chain following COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, with freight costs increasing by 1000 per cent and delays of up to six months becoming the new normal.
“We want to offer customers a better experience, quality products, shorter manufacturing timeframes, delivery on time and less volatility. We are committed and well positioned to expand on the future of wool textile manufacturing within Australia.
“For our customers we value quality, sustainability and are committed to creating the highest quality commercial upholstery and apparel fabrics. We produce fabrics using 100 per cent Australian wool, wool blends and alternative fibres.”
Mr Legge said that by expanding on its core services of commission weaving, dyeing, and finishing, Geelong Textiles Australia has diversified into a wide range of domestic products.
“We have woollen upholstery fabrics and a home textiles range, including blankets, tea towels under the brand of Geelong Weaving Mill,” he said. “This represents a growth market for the company.
“In addition, Geelong Dyeing has also developed a stock service, producing machine knitting yarn and wool tops, which are available in stock and custom colours.
“We intend to continue this tradition of innovation and market development under our plans for the company.”
