Sunset Lover founders Dean and Melanie Flintoft have confirmed they have purchased the assets of Adelaide-based mill Silver Fleece following a “phenomenally successful” 48-hour capital-raising campaign.
The pair were aiming to raise at least $1 million to secure the assets of the mill and restore the company’s local manufacturing capacity - which includes clients such as Cricket Australia and private and public schools nationwide - as well as add new clients and partnerships to the mix.
Alongside the physical assets, the 20 skilled staff employed at the factory up until its collapse into voluntary administration in late June have also been saved. The staff are primarily women and include younger employees eager to learn the artisan craft.
“We get the ‘keys’ today and will immediately reassure all existing customers of our renewed operations, well-capitalised status, and continued commitment to excellence, whilst concurrently building a new portfolio of clients to further strengthen our position and get the mill operating at 100% capacity,” the Flintofts said.
Going forward, the Flintofts said they would also offer Australian yarn and a full ethical traceable production process for all clients, adding to the 73-year-old mill's existing sustainable and ethical processes.
“Our ethos is to manufacture exceptional, proudly Australian-made products,” they said. “With our industry experience and commitment to sustainable fashion moving forward, and the overwhelming response to our capital raising campaign - we are confident that we can revitalise Silver Fleece and make our investors happy because Australians do care about where ‘their clothing’ is made.”
Following the buy, Sunset Lover's Resort 2024/25 collection will be the first capsule launched in collaboration with Silver Fleece.
“This is a dream partnership for Sunset Lover because Silver Fleece 100% aligns with sustainable Australian-made fashion,” the Flintofts said. “It will showcase the blend of craftsmanship and sustainability that this knitting mill can produce. We can't wait to bring other Australian companies into the fold that care about Australian manufactured garments like we are.”
Luxury fashion brands, corporates, government, healthcare, sporting clubs and schools are on the immediate client hit list for the Flintofts.
The mill is equipped with Shima Seiki Japanese knitting machines. Over the coming months, the new owners will introduce a brand new Shima Seiki Wholegarment knitting machine to extend the capabilities of the factory.
“The iconic Australian-owned mill that honours the beautiful Australian artisan craft of knitting wool has been preserved and we would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone, including people like the CEO of the Australian Fashion Council, Jaana Quaintance-James who believes in this craft like we do,” the Flintofts said.
“There is so much opportunity to revitalise this mill and we now have enough capital to reinvigorate local manufacturing, and protect Australian craftsmanship and the Australian wool industry.”