The Phoenix Wool Company was started in 1919 by Brigadier-General Robert Smith. The works were located on the Barwon River, near the end of Shannon Avenue; some remnants of the original buildings can still be seen at the site. Phoenix was one of the first to develop the wool carbonising process (the removal of vegetable matter from wool through the use of chemicals) and during its heyday in the 1930s-50s the company operated 24 hours per day and employed a workforce of over 100. The company closed in 1997. This box of carbonised wool samples may possibly have been used by a salesman promoting the activities of the company.Display case, brown cardboard printed with text in black on the lid at the top. Lined in blue. Interior divided into five sections, each containing samples of carbonised wool. There are five labels attached to the inside of the box lid.THE PHOENIX WOOL COMPANY / PTY. LTD. / WOOL CARBONISERS / GEELONG / VICTORIA / AUSTRALIA / TELEPHONE: 2241, GEELONG / CABLE AND TELEGRAPHIC ADRESS: / "PHOEWOOL" GEELONGphoenix wool company pty ltd, wool industry, wool carbonising, barwon river, geelong, company history, brigadier-general robert smith

Acquired when "Classweave Industries" closed down.With Compliments from/ G H Michell and Sons Limited,/ Wool Merchants/world war ii woollen mills wool processing, federal woollen mills ltd classweave industries pty ltd commonwealth woollen mills g.h. michell and sons (aust.) pty ltd, carbonising, scouring, world war ii, woollen mills, wool processing

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo shows the final sale to take place at the Melbourne Wool Selling Centre located off Geelong Road in Brooklyn, Victoria on 30th June 2010.Colour photograph featuring a group portrait of people seated and standing inside a room.front: [printed] SOUTHERN WOOL TRADE / Final sale at 691 Geelong Rd. Brooklyn / 30/06/2010victorian wool processors, melbourne wool selling centre, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, wool trading, trade, sale

This stencil was used as a location stamp for the transportation of wool bales. Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg is a Russian port city on the Baltic Sea. Wool bales marked LENINGRAD would have been transported to Russia by sea.Wool bale export stencil - LENINGRAD CARBONISEDLENINGRAD CARBONISEDwool - transportation, wool sales, wool class, wool classers

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1984 at the Port Phillip Mills in Williamstown. This image shows the wool scouring process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery from a high angle during the wool scouring process. Two men are shown stading beside the machinery.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing, carding, combing, wool scouring

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1984 at the Port Phillip Mills in Williamstown. This image shows the combing process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the combing process. Two women are shown in the background operating machinery.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing, carding, combing

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1984 at the Port Phillip Mills in Williamstown. This image shows the carding process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the carding process. A man is shown in the background standing near machinery.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing, carding, combing

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1990 at the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd. This image shows the automatic card feeding process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the automatic card feeding process.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with four others taken at the opening day of the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd on 18th June, 1990. The man depicted is M. Shiraha, Executive Managing Director, Nippon Keori Kaisha Ltd.Colour photograph featuring a man standing at a lectern.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with four others taken at the opening day of the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd on 18th June, 1990. The man depicted is I. C. Macaulay, Executive Director, Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Limited.Colour photograph featuring a man standing at a lectern.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1990 at the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd. This image shows the combing process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the combing process.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, combing

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1990 at the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd. This image shows the combing process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the combing process.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, combing

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with four others taken at the opening day of the modernized facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd on 18th June, 1990. Two of the people depicted are John Kerin, MP and Joan Kirner.Colour photograph featuring a group of men and one woman, one of the men is holding a pair of scissors.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, john kerin

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with four others taken at the opening day of the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd on 18th June, 1990. One of the people depicted is John Kerin, MP.Colour photograph featuring a two men standing with wool slivers in the foreground.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, john kerin

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with four others taken at the opening day of the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd on 18th June, 1990. The person depicted is John Kerin, MP.Colour photograph featuring a man standing amongst barrels of wool slivers.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, john kerin

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with four others taken at the opening day of the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd on 18th June, 1990. The two men depicted are K. Nawa, Managing Director C. ITOH & CO. (AUST.) LTD and T. Kambayashi, Executive Vice President C. ITOH & CO. LTD. Japan.Colour photograph featuring two men standing at a lectern.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with four others taken at the opening day of the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd on 18th June, 1990. The man depicted is R. B. Vaughan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dalgety Farmers Ltd.Colour photograph featuring a man standing at a lectern.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with four others taken at the opening day of the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd on 18th June, 1990. One of the people depicted is John Kerin, MP.Colour photograph featuring a man cutting a blue ribbon with other men standing in the background.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, john kerin

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with four others taken at the opening day of the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd on 18th June, 1990. The man depicted is the Hon. J. Kerin, M.P. Minister for Primary Industries and Energy.Colour photograph featuring a man standing at a lectern.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with four others taken at the opening day of the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd on 18th June, 1990. One of the people depicted is John Kerin, MP.Colour photograph featuring two men and a woman standing amongst industrial wool processing machinery.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, john kerin

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1990 at the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd. This image shows the finishing process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the finishing processvictorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, finishing

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1990 at the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd. This image shows the pressing process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the pressing process.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with five other black and white photographs showing interior and exterior views of woollen mills in the 1960's and 1970's. This photo shows the exterior of James Seymour & Co. Mills in Williamstown in 1968.Black and white photograph showing exterior views of factory buildings. A road, cars and truck are shown in the foreground.Back: [printed] PHOTOGRAPH BY DALGETY - N.Z.L. / Neg. No. .... Date 19 MAY 1970 Back: [handwritten] 3A / WP MILLS WILLIAMSTOWN. VICvictorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing, carding, combing, wool scouring

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with five other black and white photographs showing interior and exterior views of woollen mills in the 1960's and 1970's. This photo shows the wool sorting process inside the mill in Williamstown in 1968.Black and white photograph mounted on backing card, showing interior of a factory with men sorting wool into large metal baskets.Front: [printed] Wool Sorting into Qualities and Types Back: [handwritten] 4Avictorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing, carding, combing, wool scouring, footscray, wool sorting

Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with five other black and white photographs showing interior and exterior views of woollen mills in the 1960's and 1970's. This photo shows the exterior of Port Phillip Mills in Footscray in 1965.Black and white photograph showing exterior views of factory buildings. A road and cars are shown in the foreground.Back: [printed] PHOTOGRAPH BY DALGETY - N.Z.L. / Neg. No. .... Date 19 MAY 1970 Back: [handwritten] 2A / PORT PHILLIP MILLS FOOTSCRAY. VICvictorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing, carding, combing, wool scouring, footscray