ICONIC REEL COMPANY ALVEY WINDS UP
BRUCE Alvey spent many sleepless nights before deciding to close the iconic Queensland business founded by his great-grandfather almost a century ago.
The managing director of Alvey Reels said yesterday that rising costs, the decline in traditional beach fishing and competition from foreign brands sounded the death knell for the manufacturer of the famous fishing equipment.
“It was like a tap had been turned off,” said the 68-yearold, who took over the business with brother Glenn from their father in the 1970s.
“It was a very hard decision. We have had people who have worked with us for 35 years and are like family,” he said.
Founded by Charles Alvey in 1920, the Alvey name has become synonymous with the state’s reputation for sun, surf and fishing. The Queensland National Trust has listed Alvey as an icon of the state, along with the Fourex man and the Ekka.
But Mr Alvey said high labour and other costs was making it more difficult for Australian manufacturers like Alvey Reels to keep their doors open.
The Carole Park-based company, which now only employs 17 people, had been forced to halve its workforce in the last decade. Government charges took their toll, with rates paid to Ipswich City Council skyrocketing 60 per cent in the past four years.
“People have asked us why we didn’t import components (to cut costs) but we took pride in being an engineering firm – taking the raw material and producing a finished product,” Mr Alvey said.
Mr Alvey said there was a possibility the Alvey name could continue if another company decided to buy the brand name. But one thing is certain, the era of a proudly locally-made reel is over.