R.M. Williams launches new manufacturing line to produce women’s boots

Billionaires Nicola and Andrew Forrest have spent $8m on expanding R.M. Williams’ women’s boots line and elevated women into leadership roles at the iconic firm.

R.M. Williams co-owner Nicola Forrest meets staff member Chloe Fabian at the Adelaide manufacturing site. Picture: Brett Hartwig

R.M. Williams has unveiled a new, $8m production line at its manufacturing site in Adelaide’s north, specifically to cater for increased production of its women’s range of handcrafted leather boots.

The new line will create 70 new jobs, adding to 350 new jobs the company, owned by Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s Tattarang investment vehicle, says it has created since 2020.

The new production line is part of a 13,500sq m expansion of the Salisbury South workshop, and means there are now separate, dedicated manufacturing lines for men’s and women’s boots.

R.M. Williams’ Lady Yearling-style boots. Picture Supplied

R.M. Williams said on Thursday its female boot range will now offer seven styles of Chelsea boots with a range of heel heights and types.

Tattarang director and R.M. Williams board member Nicola Forrest said on Thursday the company was committed to investing in local manufacturing and supporting new careers in Australian craftsmanship.

“As R.M. realised almost a century ago, women across Australia had equal need for elegant yet resilient boots and workwear that could withstand the rigours of living and working on the land,” Mrs Forrest said.

“Today we are investing in the next chapter of this history together with talented women in leadership positions working on every step of the boot making process, proudly making products for women by women.’’

Staff member Chloe Fabian shows off the new R.M. Williams women’s range. Picture: Brett Hartwig

R.M. Williams also on Thursday announced new training opportunities, introducing an Industrial Sewing certification in conjunction with TAFE South Australia, following the company last year taking its first cohort of apprentices in the Leather Certificate III course.

Tattarang chairman Andrew Forrest said R.M. Williams had already created 350 new jobs across Australia since late 2020.

“In just over three years, Tattarang has increased R.M. Williams’ manufacturing workforce by more than a third, with 500 people now employed at the Adelaide workshop and distribution centre,” Dr Forrest said.

R.M. Williams was founded by Reginald Murray Williams in 1932, and from 1934 operated out of R.M.’s father’s shed at 5 Percy Street in Prospect, where the company still has an outlet.

In 2020 Tattarang acquired 100 per cent of R.M. Williams from L Catterton, bringing the brand back into Australian hands for the first time since 2014.

R.M. Williams’ Women’s boot styles

Adelaide: a feminine style, designed for both everyday wear and smart casual dressing

Erica: a chisel-toe everyday boot also available in new season hues

Lady Yearling: the best-selling R.M. Williams boot for women with an elegant almond toe and low block heel, now also offered in rubber-soled editions

Maya: a statuesque silhouette with a 7.5cm block heel and tapered needle toe

Millicent: a brand hero with 4.5cm Cuban-inspired stack heel and a sleek needle toe refreshed in seasonal shades

Moriarty: an elegant flat-heeled boot offering everyday elegance and comfort

Rosebery: harking back to the brand’s outback roots with a shape inspired by the traditional R.M. Williams Bushman Boot.

Originally published as R.M. Williams launches new manufacturing line to produce women’s boots