Kinnear Ropeworks

Deep within the industrial heart of Footscray, a silent giant slumbered. Kinnear Ropeworks, once a hive of activity, now stands as a testament to Melbourne’s manufacturing past. Kinnear Ropeworks began its life in 1902. George Kinnear and Sons relocated their burgeoning rope business from Moonee Ponds to the larger site on Ballarat Road. This marked the start of a century of rope production. The sons, Edward and Henry, took the reins. Edward oversaw the manufacturing process, while Henry managed the city office, handling purchasing and sales. The Kinnear Ropeworks quickly became a local landmark. Its massive red brick walls stretched along Ballarat Road, eventually encompassing the brothers’ own homes. The factory thrived, fueled by shrewd business practices, protective tariffs, and the demands of wartime. By 1915, Kinnear Ropeworks employed around 200 workers, mostly from the local community. The Kinnear brothers were known for their commitment to innovation. They imported state-of-the-art machinery from Belfast. This machinery was then maintained, improved, and even replicated in their own engineering and fitting shop. Kinnear Ropeworks wasn’t just making rope; it was pushing the boundaries of rope technology. By 1934, the factory boasted a soft fibre-spinning mill. It also housed an advanced plant for producing a variety of products. This included industrial yarns and twists, sewing and shop twines, and cordage. In 1935, Kinnear Ropeworks partnered with James Miller & Co. of Brunswick. Together they revived the flax-growing and milling industry. During World War II, Kinnear Ropeworks played a vital role in supplying rope and twine to Allied forces in the South-West Pacific. The factory’s machine shops were even repurposed to manufacture weapons. After the war, the fourth generation of Kinnears joined the family business. The company expanded into synthetic fibres, adapting to the changing times. Despite a less-than-flattering portrayal in John McKellar’s 1937 novel “Sheep with a shepherd”, the Kinnear brothers were widely regarded as good employers in Footscray. The annual picnics thrown by Kinnear Ropeworks were legendary. Kinnear Ropeworks remained a family-owned business until 1956. It later became part of the Boral group in 1986, trading as Boral Kinnear’s. By this time, it was the largest rope-maker in Australia. However, the shift to synthetics and tariff cuts brought fierce competition from cheaper imports. Production was moved offshore, leading to significant job losses at the Footscray plant. Kinnear Ropeworks eventually became part of Illinois Tool Work, who then sold the Footscray business to Tapex Pty Ltd. The factory’s proud slogan, “Always secure with Kinnear,” became a bitter irony for the 150 workers retrenched when the plant finally closed in 2002. The once-bustling Kinnear Ropeworks now stands quiet. Its story, however, continues to echo through the streets of Footscray, a reminder of a bygone era of industry and innovation.