Andrew Forrest adds Akubra to R.M. Williams

Andrew Forrest owned Tattarang has acquired another Australian icon – purchasing hat maker Akubra to join bushman’s outfitter R.M.Williams inthe company’s stable of Australian heritage brands.

Tattarang CEO John Hartman took to social media to announce the buy.

Hartman said: “The Keir family has owned Akubra for five generations and are now proudly passing custodianship of this Australian made icon to Tattarang. It’s a responsibility we humbly accept.

“I’ve been blown away by the talent and dedication of the skilled Akubra team I’ve met at the company’s headquarters in Kempsey, New South Wales.

“And with the commitment of Andrew and Nicola Forrest, we’ll be investing in growing Australian jobs and manufacturing.”

Tattarang has been onshoring production of some clothing including denim jeans and moleskin pants and jackets to Australia to be sold in R.M. Williams boutiques.

These sell alongside the company’s iconic leather boots and belts manufactured in Adelaide.

Further reading:
Andrew Forrest buys bootmaker R.M. Williams
R.M.Williams brings back locally made moleskins

Picture: John Hartman