Iconic Australian bootmaker R.M.Williams has today celebrated a major milestone in its mission to strengthen Australian-made craftsmanship with the official opening of a second workshop at its site in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.
The new facility, which increases production capacity by 90 per cent since Tattarang acquired R.M.Williams five years ago, was formally opened by Dr Andrew Forrest AO, marking a significant investment in local jobs, skills and manufacturing capacity.
Located alongside the Frost Road bootmaking site – the home of R.M.Williams since 1972 – a portion of the new workshop building was secured 24 months ago. The transition of manufacturing lines is now complete, and the rest of the building has now been acquired.
The final stage of the expansion will see the company’s distribution centre relocated to the same site, bringing manufacturing and distribution together under one roof.
The new 20,000 square metre facility takes R.M.Williams’ manufacturing and distribution footprint in Adelaide to 29,500 square metres, almost twice the size of Adelaide Oval.
The new workshop’s official opening marks five years since Tattarang purchased R.M.Williams, bringing the company back into Australian hands. Since the acquisition in 2020, R.M.Williams has created more than 350 new jobs and invested in significant equipment upgrades.
Today’s celebration was attended by more than 600 team members.
The new workshop was officially named Bushman’s Base, following a final vote by R.M.Williams employees. The name reflects the brand’s heritage, values and enduring connection to the local community.
Bushman’s Base is now home to R.M.Williams’ craft and clothing workshops and the world-renowned boot repair service, where up to 30,000 pairs of boots are received annually from around the globe to be lovingly repaired and resoled by skilled South Australian craftspeople.
The workshop also introduces a dedicated leather wallet production line, bringing this specialist craft in-house for the first time. Wallets will be handcrafted in Adelaide by skilled artisans trained in new techniques, underscoring R.M.Williams’ commitment to local manufacturing and preserving traditional craftsmanship.
By expanding its manufacturing footprint, R.M.Williams is increasing production capacity to meet growing global demand, while staying true to the handmade quality and authenticity for which it is renowned.
Quotes from Dr Andrew Forrest AO, owner of Tattarang and R.M.Williams:
“We bought this iconic business five years ago with a promise to invest in Australia and to bring more manufacturing back onshore.
“Fast forward five years and I’m proud to say we are delivering on that promise. This new facility strengthens our commitment to keeping Australian manufacturing alive and thriving. This expansion is about creating jobs, passing on skills and making sure every pair of RM boots is a piece of homegrown excellence.”
Quotes from Nicola Forrest AO, owner of Tattarang and R.M.Williams:
“As custodian of R.M.Williams, it is a continuing responsibility to ensure Tattarang’s stewardship of this great company strengthens Australian manufacturing, supports local communities and nurtures the next generation of craftsmen and women who carry this legacy forward.”
“The home of RMs has always been, and always will be, South Australia. There is immense pride in knowing the world’s best boots are still made right here in Salisbury — by Australians, for the world. That tradition of craftsmanship and place is what makes R.M.Williams so special, and it will always remain at the heart of this company.”
Quotes from South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas:
“South Australia has a proud history of innovation and craftsmanship. R.M.Williams’ decision to grow its operations here reflects our state’s strength as a hub for high-quality, sustainable manufacturing.”
“This expansion is a powerful vote of confidence in our people, in their skills, their creativity and their ability to deliver world-class products to customers around the globe.”
