Dean and Melanie Flintoft, founders of the sustainable fashion brand Sunset Lover, have officially taken over the reins of the 73-year-old Silver Fleece knitting mill. Following a remarkably quick 48-hour capital raising campaign, the Flintofts secured the assets of the historic mill known for its commitment to quality and ethical practices in manufacturing.
As of today, the mill will resume operations under the stewardship of the new owners, who have grand plans for revitalising the business. They aim to reassure existing customers such as Cricket Australia and various schools, of Silver Fleece’s enhanced financial strength and operational continuity. They also seek to expand their client base to further solidify the mill’s position in the market.
“Our immediate task is to reassure all existing clients about our well-funded and operational status,” the Flintofts commented. “We are also focusing on building new client relationships to fully utilise the mill’s capacity.”
Silver Fleece stands among the few remaining manufacturers in Australia capable of producing high-quality knitwear on a sizable scale. The company operates with advanced Shima Seiki Japanese knitting machines, recognised globally for their precision. The Flintofts also plan to add a new Shima Seiki Wholegarment knitting machine in the coming months to boost production efficiency.
“This addition will significantly enhance our productivity and align with our fundraising efforts which have clearly demonstrated the desire for maintaining manufacturing within Australia,” they added.
The Flintofts stressed their dedication to continuing Silver Fleece’s legacy of local production and ethical practices. “Our goal is to not only maintain but elevate the ethos of producing excellent Australian-made products. Given the tremendous support received during our fundraising, we’re confident in our ability to revitalise this brand,” they explained.
Additionally, they revealed that the upcoming Sunset Lover Resort 2024/25 collection would feature the first series of products created in collaboration with Silver Fleece. Dean and Melanie Flintoft envision this initiative as laying the groundwork for contemporary and sustainable Australian fashion.
“We believe this partnership will serve as a showcase for what sustainable Australian manufacturing can achieve,” they said. “By aligning with Silver Fleece, we look forward to bringing more like-minded Australian companies into this endeavour.”
The Flintofts also acknowledged the broader community support that made their acquisition possible. “We are truly grateful to all who believe in the future of Australian-made fashion,” they said.
Silver Fleece, now saved from liquidation, has provided long-standing employment opportunities in the region, especially for women and younger workers eager to sustain the artisan craft. The continuation of operations means 20 jobs have been retained.
The knitting mill was set to close after entering administration last month due to financial struggles. A meeting held on 26 June 2024 resolved that Silver Fleece be wound up, with creditors appointing Daniel Lopresti and Simon Richard Miller as liquidators. However, the timely intervention by the Flintofts through their acquisition on 9 August has now assured the future of this storied mill.
With renewed energy and resources, Silver Fleece is poised to embark on a new chapter of innovative and sustainable production, reaffirming its place in the Australian textile industry.
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