SA Chapter HALL OF FAME

Web: www.michell.com.au

In 1870, George Henry Michell persuaded local farmers in South Australia’s mid-north town of Undalya, to sell their wool direct to him. With support from Catherine, his wife, and their six children, George collected sheepskins from around the district and washed the wool in the River Wakefield. He dried and packed the wool by hand and then took it to Adelaide for shipment to London for sale by auction.

George and Catherine’s four surviving sons William Edward, George Henry II, Edgar and James Alfred joined their father in the family business and the wool scouring operation was moved to Hindmarsh in the mid 1890s. George Henry left the running of the company to his three sons, James Alfred, Edgar and George Henry II in 1910.

In 1932, a partnership was signed between Edgar, James Alfred and George Henry II forming G.H. Michell & Sons Incorporated. In 1937, third generation Ron Michell was appointed Chairman of the Board – an appointment that would last 40 years. During his time, carding and combing machinery was installed and the company acquired wool and combing mills around the country. J Raymond Michell was appointed to the board in 1950.

In 1973, the company decided to consolidate and re-establish its head office and wool processing operation at Salisbury. During the 1970s, Richard Michell was appointed to the Board with G. Howard Michell as Chairman succeeding Ron, and fourth generation John Michell succeeding Howard as Managing Director.

Fifth generation David Michell and Marc Michell were appointed to the Board of Directors in 1982. J Raymond Michell became Chairman in 1992. During their period of leadership, they expanded the Salisbury combing mill and opened an office in China.

In 2000, the company’s 130th year, John Michell retired as Managing Director and a non-family member assumed this role for the first time. Raymond Michell retired as Chairman in 2002, with John Michell succeeding him in this role. Four family members remain on the Board of Directors, while Peter Michell and Andrew Cosh hold management roles. G. Howard Michell of the third generation (now aged 90) still comes to work daily.

Michell Pty Ltd purchases almost 10 per cent of the Australian wool clip and produces more than 20 million kilograms of wool each year, with sales of more than $200 million annually – Australia’s largest exporter and processor of Australian wool and leather.

Michell Pty Ltd was inducted into the FBA(SA) Hall of Fame in 2002.