Sheridan is an Australian textile brand known for its premium homewares, particularly bed linen and towels. Established in 1967 by entrepreneur Claudio Alcorso, the brand has become synonymous with high-quality fabrics and Australian design. Sheridan is a subsidiary of Hanes Australasia.
History Origins: Silk & Textile Printers Sheridan traces its origins to the establishment of Silk & Textile Printers Pty Ltd in 1939. Founded in Sydney by Orlando and Claudio Alcorso, along with Paul Sonnino, the company initially operated from a factory in Rushcutters Bay. By June 1940, the first printed materials were delivered to customers.
Following World War II, the company sought expansion opportunities and relocated its manufacturing operations to Tasmania in 1947. The Tasmanian Government, under Robert Cosgrove, offered incentives such as affordable electricity to attract industries. The company established its new production facility in a repurposed munitions factory at Derwent Park, while maintaining its registered office in Sydney. Initially focused on screen-printing raw silk, the factory gradually incorporated other textiles such as cotton. By the mid-1950s, the company had expanded its operations to include spinning and weaving, allowing it to complete the textile manufacturing cycle. A 1954 photograph of the factory by Wolfgang Sievers further suggests that these activities were already part of the production process at that time.
The birth of Sheridan In 1967, Claudio Alcorso established the Sheridan brand, leveraging his expertise in textiles to develop a premium homewares company centred on high-quality fabrics and innovative designs. The existing Derwent Park factory remained central to Sheridan's manufacturing, employing approximately 1,400 workers at its peak. The facility was notable for its progressive workplace policies, including worker representation in the boardroom, a 40-hour workweek, and a profit-sharing system.
Expansion and dominance Sheridan established itself as a prominent player in the home textiles industry, with a significant presence both domestically and internationally. As of 1994, the brand's products were sold in 43 countries, making it the only global brand in the bed-linen industry.
As part of its marketing strategy in the 1990s and 2000s, Sheridan introduced the "Come Home to Sheridan" magazine. This publication was designed to engage consumers by showcasing the brand's products in seductive and lavish lifestyle settings, attracting brand ambassadors, including Elle Macpherson.
Decline and End of Operations in Tasmania
Throughout 1995-1996, Sheridan's management changed and the company started to axe jobs. First the all the cutting and sewing section called Makeup were made redundant . About roughly 100-150 people from that department were laid of in 1 day.
Department managers were reduced and took on dual roles.
Fabric was then only printed, fixed, inspected and wound on rolls and shipped out of Tasmania to be made up by cheaper overseas companies. A union representative for the factory workers failed to come to an agreement and on the morning of the 22nd of November 1996 all of the remaining staff were made redundant and the factory was reduced to skeleton crew until 2002 when Sheridan ceased operations in Tasmania, resulting in the loss of 48 jobs and marking the end of its 55-year manufacturing presence in the state.
In 2018, Sheridan marked its 50th anniversary by partnering with designer Ken Done, who reimagined his 1980s collaboration with the brand through a contemporary design.
Mergers Over the years, Sheridan underwent various mergers, eventually becoming part of Universal Textiles, which was later acquired by Dunlop. In 2005, Sheridan was acquired by Pacific Brands. This acquisition allowed Sheridan to expand its market presence and product offerings. In 2016, Hanesbrands acquired Pacific Brands, bringing Sheridan under its global portfolio.
Legacy Sheridan's legacy is built on a foundation of quality craftsmanship and innovative design. From its origins in silk and textile printing to its evolution into a leading home lifestyle brand, Sheridan has played a significant role in shaping Australia's textile industry.
References
External links Official website