New book covers the big Bartlett story

MARKING more than sixty-five years of leading work in industrial textile fabrication, Ballarat’s Bartlett Manufacturing has published a coffee table book which shares the brand’s full story.

Written by prolific historian Phil Roberts, Covering Australia and Beyond includes the history of the family-owned business over 274 pages, from its inception until mid-2021, the evolution of fabrics, methods, and products.

In 1956, railway worker and sailmaker Cliff Bartlett began repairing tarpaulins in his lounge room with a second-hand sewing machine, earning extra money for his and wife Joyce’s growing family at night.

“People would leave the tarpaulin on the doorstep. Cliff and Joyce wouldn’t go to sleep that night until they’d finished the work, and they would deliver it the next day,” Roberts said.

“Cliff’s reputation for quality and reliability grew very quickly, and he left the railways in 1958.”

Son John Bartlett said the enterprise has “continually evolved” since, and is more than just a blind-maker.

They now have seven divisions; blinds, grain, defence, water and tank liners, camper, corporate and general. Bartlett employs 130 staff, including fourth generation family members, across four manufacturing facilities.

An innovator and problem-solver, some Bartlett production highlights have included the Flexiflume, tank-liners, and securing a contract to be the prime supplier of tents, tarps, bags, canopies and more to the Australian Defence Force.

CEO Bartlett Manufacturing Dave O’Brien said one of the most interesting elements to the business’ story is how it’s grown to be Australia’s top industrial textile fabricator, exporting to 26 countries across the world.

“A Ballarat-based company is leading the industry and our knowledge is world-renowned,” he said.

Roberts said authoring the book was a challenge, but a privilege, and appreciated the support of John Bartlett who was able to supply historical documents about the business, employees, and products.

The book will be officially launched this week at a private function at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute. Those that wish to purchase a copy of the book can contact Bartlett on 5339 3103.