Statistics would indicate that local manufacturing is becoming a thing of the past.  However, this is a fact that some innovative local businesses are unaware of, going against the trend to manufacture and export quality locally made products from Alpaca, Mohair, Wool and Cashmere.

The House of Alpaca in Goulburn has been farming Alpaca for over 21 years developing a commercial herd from which they can produce fibre to manufacture quality rugs, doonas, scarves and newly acquired “Ridgi Didge” footwear products, all made on site.  

Creative manager and designer, Kyla Ham has brought her expertise gained from working in fashion houses in Sydney and is a driving force producing on trend products.

Director, Bill Ham explained, “Export is the key to level out sales throughout the year.  

“It has taken a while but we now export to Europe, China and Taiwan.

“China want a genuine quality Australian product to meet their growing middle and upper class market.”

The House of Alpaca business has grown substantially since commencing manufacturing on farm at Wheeo in 2010. With expanding markets, they purchased locally grown alpaca fibre across Australia.  

The fibre is currently sent offshore to New Zealand for processing into yarn and returned to their new purpose built premises in Goulburn for weaving of products, packaging and shipping across Australia and overseas.

Another alpaca business in Crookwell, Alpaca Products Australia, has designed the world’s first ergonomic Alpaca pet mattress that supports the unique sleeping position of dogs and cats.

The mattresses are designed to relieve pressure points at the shoulder, rib and hip of pets, making for a more restful sleep.  

All processing and manufacturing of these products and manufacturing of other lines are carried out in Crookwell.

Alpaca Products Australia manager and farmer of 12 years, Susan Reynolds, stated, “We get a buzz making products locally that end up across Australia, New York or elsewhere in the world.  “Certainly it is not without challenge and the cost of local manufacturing is higher, but the end result is that we manage from ‘paddock to product’ assuring the quality and service throughout.”

Both businesses would like to see the return of sustainable fibre processing in Australia that can cater for medium to large quantities of alpaca, mohair, cashmere and wool.  

The current situation of a handful of small mills across Australia processing fibre is very costly and time consuming making it more challenging to manufacture competitively.

Both businesses have joined to sponsor ‘Best in Show Colour’ Alpaca fleece at the next Crookwell AP&H Show Open Alpaca Fleece Section, held at the Crookwell Showground 14-15th February, 2015.

“We feel it is important to encourage alpaca farmers, as Australia produces some of the most desired fibre anywhere in the world,” stated Bill Ham.

Susan added, “By encouraging breeders to produce commercial whites and to develop natural colours of similar quality makes commercial sense.

“Consumers are demanding more sustainable products and alpaca naturally produce a wide range of colours from caramels, browns, greys and black.  

“These are ideal for spinning into yarn that does not require dyeing and result in wonderful sustainable products.”

The Crookwell AP&H Society Show has showcased local agriculture since 1878 and has recognised that the Open Alpaca Fleece Section reflects the growing fibre industry.  

In recognition of the unique quality of alpaca, the 2015 winning fleeces will be displayed in the historical Dome building where they will proudly sit alongside hand spinning, weaving and dyed yarn and the popular handcrafted items.

The Crookwell AP&H Society Show 2015 program and entry forms into the Open Alpaca Fleece Section can be obtained online at www.crookwellshow.com.  Entries close January 30, 2015.

Submitted by:  Susan Reynolds, Crookwell AP&H Show, Open Alpaca Fleece Section, Convenor

Contact:  0414 464 206 or Reynolds.susan031@gmail.com