Oliver and Stevens' Boot Factory
Background
The founders, Cornishmen James Oliver and John Stevens, migrated to Australia, settling on the Ballarat goldfields during the 1850s.[1] Their bootmaking business was established in 1887.[2]
History
Oliver & Stevens employed a workforce of approximately 300 people, peaked at 15 manufacturers, and was renowned for its efficient management operation. By utilising effective strategy plans and people management skills, the business raised both staff morale and the standards of footwear at the time.
The business made stock to order, never short of demand from customers.
During the Falklands War, Oliver & Stevens were employed to manufacture footwear for the British army.[3]
Site
Operated from the back of a brick house in Barkly Street.[4] Factory located next to Standard Brewery of Ballarat.[5]
In 1906 Oliver's Boots were located at 72 Bridge Street, Ballarat East.[6]
1916 - Armstrong Street, Ballarat
Oliver Footwear remained entirely in family hands until 2010 when it merged with Singapore company Kings Safety Footwear, which was sold to US footwear giant Honeywell a year later.[7]
In 2017 around 30 percent of production took place in the Prest Street Plant.[8]
Prest Street, Mount Pleasant <2017>
Innovations
Community Involvement
Works Produced
Workplace Relations
The People
Legacies
Oliver & Stevens remains a leading brand in quality footwear, particularly in the Ballarat region. They have been associated with shoes for work, as well as for the handicapped, including victims of polio.
Oliver & Stevens have now merged with Honeywell, an American manufacturer and investment manager, providing them with the soles for their footwear.[9]
See also
Recommended Reading
Roberts, Phil, Love Your Feet More: The Oliver Story, Mud group, 2012
References
- ↑ Roberts, Phil, Love Your Feet More: The Oliver Story, Mud group, 2012.
- ↑ http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/4993866/its-devastating-30-jobs-to-go-as-ballarat-institution-moves-offshore/?cs=62, accessed 17 October 2017.
- ↑ Comments from Ken Clements to Clare Gervasoni, 27 July 2012
- ↑ Comments from Ken Clements to Clare Gervasoni, 20 July 2012
- ↑ Comments from Ken Clements to Clare Gervasoni, 27 July 2012
- ↑ Ballarat Courier Christmas Supplement, December 1906.
- ↑ http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/4993866/its-devastating-30-jobs-to-go-as-ballarat-institution-moves-offshore/?cs=62, accessed 17 October 2017.
- ↑ http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/4993866/its-devastating-30-jobs-to-go-as-ballarat-institution-moves-offshore/?cs=62, accessed 17 October 2017.
- ↑ Comments from Ken Clements to Clare Gervasoni, 27 July 2012
Further Reading
External Links
--Beth Kicinski 08:20, 25 May 2012 (EST); Caitlin Darrell 27 July 2012; --Clare K.Gervasoni 22:33, 17 October 2017 (AEDT)