Instyle + Colan invest in Australia’s last surviving woollen furnishing mill

Instyle Contract Textiles and Colan Australia are delighted to announce their joint acquisition of Geelong Textiles Australia, Australia's last surviving woollen furnishing textile mill and dye house. 

This strategic partnership combines over a century of textile expertise and unique strengths of two industry leaders that together will enhance the mill's capabilities and ensure continuity of the rich heritage of Geelong Textiles weaving and dyeing.

Michael Fitzsimons, founder and managing director of Instyle, says, "This joint venture represents a significant step forward in our strategic vision to be at the forefront of local, sustainable textile design and manufacturing". 

The manufacturing capabilities of Geelong Textiles Australia combined with Colan Australia's long textile manufacturing expertise and Instyle's market presence will ensure the mill's continuation and development as a major and important Australian textile manufacturer.

Genelle Coghlan, managing director of Colan Australia, adds, "We're excited about this partnership with Instyle and we're eager to explore the synergies this partnership brings, while protecting jobs, nurturing local talent and ensuring this important part of the wool manufacturing industry remains operational in Australia".

Instyle and Colan Australia have decided to rebrand Geelong Textiles Australia as LoomTex™, to rejuvenate and reposition the weaving and dyehouse manufacturer towards a stronger future and legacy. 

LoomTex™ will continue to create upholstery, apparel and technical fabrics for commercial and domestic use in its operations in Geelong with plans for investments in technology, research and development to ensure it remains at the forefront of the industry. 

The new joint venture company LoomTex™ will commence trading Monday 11 September 2023.

About Instyle Contract Textiles Pty Ltd:

Instyle Contract Textiles, established in 1987, has been a pioneer in the design and wholesale of high-quality contemporary fabrics, leathers, wallcoverings and acoustic solutions across commercial, office, hospitality, health care and transport industries. 

With a focus on sustainability, local design and manufacturing, Instyle has won numerous environmental awards and become a market leader in the interior finishes industry.

About Colan Australia:

Established in 1954, Colan Australia is an internationally-recognised manufacturer and distributor of high-performance industrial textiles including composite reinforcement, thermal insulation and protective materials.

About Geelong Textiles Australia Group:

The Geelong mill has specialised in wool fabric since 1922, first operating in the historic Returned Soldiers Mill opened by Prime Minister Billy Hughes. 

Renowned for its high-quality wool and other fibre textiles, the mill manufactured the green wool fabric used to make the Australian Cricket Teams "Baggy Green Cap".

Geelong Textiles Australia was previously owned by an investor group chaired by sixth generation pastoralist Floyd Legge. 

For media enquiries, please contact:

Tracy Mak 

tmak@instyle.com.au

+ 61 2 9317 0283

For further information please contact:

Michael Fitzsimons - Managing Director, Instyle, mfitzsimons@instyle.com.au

Genelle Coghlan - Managing Director, Colan Australia, genellec@colan.com.au