Rossi Boots
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Footwear manufacturing |
| Founded | 1 January 1910 in South Australia, Australia |
| Founder | Arthur Rossiter |
| Headquarters | Kilburn , Australia |
Area served | International and domestic markets |
| Products | Boots |
Number of employees | Approximately 500 (historical peak) |
| Parent | S Kidman & Company (since December 2023) |
Rossi Boots is a boot manufacturer originating from South Australia, established in 1910, with its main office located in Kilburn, South Australia.
The company manufactures boots overseas catering to various sectors and markets, supported by a broad distribution network both internationally and domestically. At present, Rossi Boots does not produce any footwear within Australia.
History
The foundation of Rossi Boots dates back to 1910 when Arthur Rossiter departed from the Adelaide Boot Company to launch Rossiters Ltd in a modest backyard workshop. Early sales were modest but experienced growth during World War I.
Expansion followed with the construction of a larger factory completed in three phases. Although the Great Depression brought difficulties, during World War II, Rossi Boots became a key supplier for the Australian Army, manufacturing hundreds of thousands of boots for deployment in multiple regions, including New Guinea. Workforce numbers reached approximately 500 at the height of the war.
Following material shortages after the war, Rossi innovatively repurposed old automobile tyres for boot soles. Manufacturing techniques transitioned from traditional leather, nails, and stitching to the use of synthetic adhesives, rubbers, and plastics. Contemporary machinery enabled direct molding of soles and enhanced leather shaping processes.
In 1987, Rossi relocated from Unley to a state-of-the-art facility in Hilton, implementing computer-controlled machines for cutting, sewing, and sole attachment. These technological advancements reduced local employment but prolonged Australian manufacturing longer than many rivals. Despite this, none of Rossi’s current product line is produced domestically.
In March 2019, Rossi consolidated its factory, warehouse, and headquarters by moving from Hilton to Kilburn, centralizing operations under one roof while maintaining local repair services. Nevertheless, production continues offshore. In December 2023, ownership of Rossi Boots was transferred to S Kidman & Company.
See also
External links
- Sly, D. Family business stays at home. The Adelaide Review
- 13 Jul 13 – Defence snubs SA-made Rossi Boots in favour of imports for defence workers Adelaide Now
- 21 Jul 15 – Rossi Boots export grant after missing defence contract ABC Online
- 19 Apr 17 – Rossi Boots lost a Federal Government contract and called for system changes Adelaide Now
- 20 Apr 2017 – Rossi Boots received support from Labor MP Steve Georganas Adelaide Now
- 8 Aug 2017 – Rossi Boots third-generation bootmaker and former Chairman Dean Rossiter passes away Adelaide Now