RM Williams needs 40 Adelaide workers to meet demand
The iconic SA bootmaker has seen so much more demand for its famous boots that it’s been forced to boost its workforce to keep up. And there are a lot of jobs up for grabs.
Lifestyle
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Iconic Australian brand RM Williams is on a recruitment drive to keep up with consumer demand as it sells unprecedented numbers of its Made-in-SA boots.
R.M. Williams sold a record 250,000 pairs during the 2020-2021 financial year.
John Hartman, who is the chief investment officer of Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s investment office Tattarang, which owns R.M. Williams said that was 20 per cent more than the previous 12 months.
As part of an overarching plan to produce all Australian-made products and keep up with demand for the boots, the company - founded in SA in 1932 - is looking to hire more than 40 staff for its Salisbury factory.
“We are looking for the next generation of craftspeople to help hand craft our iconic leather footwear in our Salisbury Workshop!,” the job advertisement states.
The Salisbury factory - which is expanding an afternoon shift to up its production of boots - has a current workforce of about 400.
It will be increased by more than 10 per cent.
“We have 40-plus vacancies starting now and into the new year as we are expanding the workshop to keep up with high demand for our products, having had our biggest year in terms of boot sales ever,” R. M. Williams chief marketing officer Chris Willingham told The Advertiser.
“We’re seeking production team members who will hand craft our products, including our iconic leather boots within our footwear department, as well as across our clothing and craft departments.”
Mr Willingham said “continued growth will demand the need for vacancies to also rise”.
“We have seen huge market increase for our Australian- made products, and as we move towards our objective of bringing even more production to Salisbury, we’ll be looking to support with additional roles and training,” he said.
While people with production work experience were ideal candidates, those who enjoyed “working with their hands” were also encouraged to apply.
“We’re looking for those who are enthusiastic and embody the company spirit, with a strong willingness to learn and the desire to be part of a fantastic and diverse team environment,” Mr Willingham said, adding: “ We offer on the job training, and many of our craftspeople go on to stay with us throughout their careers, with some families who have worked for the company through the generations.”
In January, during his first visit to the Salisbury factory, R.M. Williams’ then new owner Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest, vowed to turn the iconic brand into one whose products were “only Australian made”.
Mr Forrest and his wife, Nicola, bought the company for a rumoured $190 million in 2020, returning it to Australian hands.
R. M. Williams, which sells boots to New Zealand, the UK, US, Europe and Canada, makes the most sales here in Australia.
It is also offering its Aussie customers an exclusive Cyber Monday deal.
Twenty pairs of limited-edition “RE•MADE IN AUSTRALIA” restored R. M. Williams boots - from original Craftsmans to a customised pair of printed ladies Bushmans - are being sold via its Instagram stories on Monday.
To apply for a position at the Salisbury factory visit the careers section at rmwilliams.com.au
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