According to EMU Australia, the global pandemic reignited a love of Australian-made products which resulted in record sales for the company.
In answer to these record sales, which have tripled from previous seasons, EMU Australia is now seeking skilled artisans and is expanding their factory capacity, including purchasing over 20 new machines.
“Our export business in particular saw rapid growth as demand grew for both our Australian Made boots and slippers,” EMU Australia factory manager Kristie Marsh said.
“Our export sales grew 200% from 2020/21 and then saw a further 35% increase in 2021/22 and we expect to see this trend continue.
“We are extremely proud to have shipped out over 25,000 pairs of Australian Made EMU Australia boots and slippers overseas in the last four months.
“This volume of product meant we sent out 15 x 20FT containers out all over the world. And this does not even factor in our local production which also saw incredible growth.”
The continued growth also saw EMU Australia appoint a new product developer Sebastian Cano.
Originally from Argentina, Cano brings a rich international experience having worked for several bespoke shoemakers in Florence, London and now Australia. His new role will oversee and improve the processes and components across the Australian factory.
As EMU Australia seeks to double their export production, Marsh said the company is feeling the pressure.
“The growth we have experienced and the targets we are wanting to hit mean we want and need to grow our factory workforce including skilled machinists, cutters and general factory staff, but are finding it increasingly challenging to find people,” said Marsh.
“The key role we are looking to fill are machinists. We offer training and support for someone who is looking to learn a skilled role.
“We have many workers who have been with the factory since the beginning and 40% of our employees have been with the company for over 10 years.
“This is a business where if you have a willingness to work and learn there is endless opportunity and to become part of a proud family owned and operated Australian Business”.
Winner in sustainability
Following their record growth over the pandemic, EMU Australia also won ‘The Best Sustainable Accessory Brand (Footwear)’ award in the fashion category as part of the Marie Claire Sustainability Awards 2022.
The award was judged by 26 people, including high-profile sustainability experts, business founders, thought leaders, and activists in the business.
“This award is a further endorsement of the high quality and sustainable nature of our products. It’s truly an honour to be recognised in this way,” said Andy Knowles, CEO of Europe at EMU Australia.
EMU Australia believes in working with natural materials and not creating or consuming quickly, instead taking a considered approach.
Starting with material selection, the company uses natural materials, including the highest quality Merino wool, leather and Australian sheepskin, which are renowned for their comfort, strength and versatility, as well as being completely sustainable.
“Over the last quarter of a century, EMU Australia has progressed from one style of sheepskin boot to a premium footwear and accessories brand that designs and makes products from the very best natural and sustainable materials,” said global marketing manager Rebecca Fett.
More recently, EMU launched the first ever water-resistant Australian sheepskin which aimed to get the wearer warm down to -30 °C. Its iconic waterproof technology now forms the basis of much of their wider collection.
This includes EMU Australia’s Platinum, which is finished with an environmentally friendly eco-tanning process to reduce water consumption. It then passes through over 15 pairs of artisan's hands to be cut, moulded, folded, stitched and trimmed.
The origins of EMU Australia’s sheepskin boots herald back to the Australian surfing culture of the 1970s when surfers were looking for a way to warm up and keep dry following a winter surf.