Australian cricket team’s knitwear producer Silver Fleece in Hindmarsh falls into liquidation

A local wool producer best known for the Australian Test team’s knitwear has fallen into liquidation after more than 70 years in business.

Adelaide-based clothing company Silver Fleece has been supplying the Test jumpers for the Australian Cricket Team for 40 years.

A western suburbs-based manufacturer that has been making Australian cricket team’s woollen Test vests for 40 years has been placed into liquidation.

Silver Fleece in Hindmarsh appointed liquidators Daniel Lopresti and Simon Richard Miller from Clifton Hall on Thursday, closing its doors after more than 70 years in business.

Mr Lopresti said the “well-respected” company’s closure was disappointing, putting the blame on the current economic climate and high costs associated with local manufacturing.

“The company employed over 20 staff, many of them long term employees, who have been informed of the closure of the business,” Mr Lopresti said.

“The Liquidators are actively liaising with all affected employees and will continue to provide assistance to employees throughout the liquidation process.”

Australia's Nathan Lyon bowls wearing the knitted vest supplied by Silver Fleece. Picture: Sanka Vidanagama/AFP

One of the few remaining commercial woollen mills in the country, Silver Fleece was founded in 1951 by Yugoslavian immigrant Tim Jovanovic, who came to Australia after being held as a prisoner of war in WWII.

With just a hand operated knitting machine set up in his shed, Mr Jovanovic would hand-deliver garments by bicycle to Adelaide’s large retail stores.

From there, the business moved to a property on the corner of Stepney and Magill Rds and, later, a warehouse in Tranmere, expanding to supply garments to some of the state’s biggest sporting teams.

Speaking to The Advertiser in 2016, managing director Cathy Barton – who joined the company in the 1970s and bought it in 2003 – said the business offered unmatched quality and locally-sourced wool products.

Silver Fleece owner Cathy Barton with the vest that her company made for the Australian cricket team. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

At the time, the company had 18 full-time staff and an annual turnover of up to $3 million.

The business helped develop the first Adelaide Crows uniform, and has manufactured uniforms for the Australian Rowing Team, Commonwealth Games athletes and SANFL junior teams.

Silver Fleece also supplied customised uniforms to many schools and colleges throughout Australia, as well as tailor-made knitwear for

South Australian businesses, organisations and sporting clubs.

Liquidators are now looking for buyers to take over the company, urging anyone who may be interested in making offers to purchase the business or its assets to contact Josh Brown at Clifton Hall.

Originally published as Australian cricket team’s knitwear producer Silver Fleece in Hindmarsh falls into liquidation