Once a Jolly Jumbuk ...

The story of Jumbuk Wools

Innovative in its origins in 1971, Jumbuk Wools is still a 100% Australian family-owned, vertically integrated industry, producing jumpers and hand-knitting yarn from only 100% pure new Australian fleece wool.

The same traditional values of quality and service are still given highest priority today by the second generation of Anderson's.

From an orphan lamb, given to the Anderson family during a severe drought in 1971, to the purchase of some sampling machinery and a mini-factory built in the back yard, Keith and Lea were the first to see that wool growers producing their own finished products had a distinct advantage over those that sold at auction.

In 1973, after renting floor space in the old butter factory for the use of their first major machine purchase, a factory and showroom was built on the outskirts of Bairnsdale. 1974 saw the first extension of this factory to house more machinery and then in 1978 the floor space was nearly doubled with an equivalent increase in production. This was to supply some large export orders as well as the domestic market.

1981/82 was the final extension to this factory which was transformed into a larger and more efficient knitting room after the purchase of more knitting machinery.

In 1988 some more land, with Princes Highway frontage, was purchased abutting the farm already owned by the Anderson's. Two years later, the entire mill was moved to this new factory which allowed a better layout and more efficient flow through of production.

Jumbuk Wools is familiar with all facets of the wool industry, from growing the fleece through shearing, washing, carding, spinning, knitting and designing the finished products and is still the only company to do all the processing from washed fleece to finished product, under the one roof.

Jumbuk Wools have their own sheep and also buy from other local wool growers. The fleeces used are mainly Corriedale which gives a lovely 'handle' or feel and is soft enough to be worn close to the skin without irritation.

They are only lightly washed, not scoured, carbonised or dyed with harsh chemicals, and this gives Jumbuk Wools products unique properties in that they retain some natural lanolin in the fibre for extra wear, extra warmth and natural water resistance. The white, dark brown

This makes Jumbuk Wools hand-knitted garments and Jumbuk Wools jumpers ideal for outdoor activities.

From such small beginnings to the move in 1990 to our current and modern premises, we have strived to retain the original qualities of Jumbuk Wools that make it continue to be such a unique product today. Jumbuk Wools have always been a family business and with our staff, we have commitment of quality to our customers.