The Silver Fleece mill has been saved, according to Dean and Melanie Flintoft, who put on “quick and successful capital raise” and promise a “strong comeback” for the knitwear manufacturer.

Silver Fleece has a factory at Hindmarsh and entered administration last month, following a General Meeting on June 26 resolving that the company be wound up.

The Flintofts, the pair behind the Sunset Lover clothing brand, announced “a phenomenally successful 48 hour capital raising media campaign” on Monday, and that they were awarded the assets of the company by liquidators on August 9.

According to a statement from the couple, 20 skilled staff and technicians have had their jobs saved, with these “primarily women and include younger employees” who are eager to preserve an artisan craft.

“We get the ‘keys’ today and will immediately reassure all existing customers of our renewed operations, well-capitalised status, and continued commitment to excellence, whilst concurrently building a new portfolio of clients to further strengthen our position and get the mill operating at 100% capacity,” said the Flintofts in a statement.

Silver Fleece has a 73-year history and customers include Cricket Australia, for which it makes knitted vests and pullovers.

The Flintofts said the acquisition “paves the way for new business partnerships and strategic growth opportunities” including with Sunset Lover 

“It will showcase the blend of craftsmanship and sustainability that this knitting mill can produce. We can’t wait to bring other Australian companies into the fold that care about Australian manufactured garments like we are” the said, adding that the company was one of very few options for locally-made knitwear.

Picture: supplied

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