Rossi reboots its manufacturing in Adelaide

Rossi Boots has announced that it is once again manufacturing in South Australia, the state it was founded in over a century ago.

Rossi has been owned since April last by apparel group Propel Group and GP Securities. In January, Propel Group announced it had purchased the assets of Rossi’s former contract manufacturer Adaptive Industries — which had gone into receivership — and planned to restart the factory.

Rossi Boots and Propel Group chief executive Caroline Elliott said on Tuesday that Rossi re-commenced manufacturing “two months ago” and her group saw it as “crucial that we keep this 111-year old manufacturing history alive.”

Elliott added that the company was working with the state’s Department of Innovation and Skills to develop traineeships in footwear manufacturing, as well as other support roles in warehousing and retail. 

“This will ensure that not only South Australia, but wider Australia, has the opportunity to continue to manufacture footwear, and grow that capability, in our country,” said Elliott.

“The South Australian Government will work with Rossi Boots to ensure it has the skilled workforce it needs expand the production of its iconic boots,” said minister for skills and innovation David Pisoni.

Rossi was founded as Rossiter’s Pty Ltd in 1910, made sports boots, and then supplied boots for Australian soldiers in two world wars. 

Milestone releases for the company include the Ripple Boot, became “the boot of choice for rockers in the 1950s” and 1993’s The Endura, which “won the hearts and minds of those involved in the agriculture, wine and trade industries.”

Part-owner the Propel Group also owns Australian brands RB Sellars and Driza-Bone.

Picture: Consultant and former factory manager Mike Williams (with vest) and shoemaker David Bailey (supplied.)

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