Rossi recommences boot manufacturing in SA

"We are very excited to once again be supplying a great quality, Australian made product to our customers," Rossi Boots and Propel Group chief executive Caroline Elliott said.

"Manufacturing in SA, the birthplace of Rossi Boots, is important to the group. It was crucial that we keep this 111-year old manufacturing history alive.

"The greatest challenge to the growth of manufacturing in Australia is access to skilled labour. We are very pleased to be working with the SA Department of Innovation and Skills to develop traineeships in Footwear Manufacturing, as well as other support roles in warehousing and retail.

"This will ensure that not only SA, but wider Australia, has the opportunity to continue to manufacture footwear, and grow that capability, in our country."

SA Innovation and Skills Minister David Pisoni said investment in the iconic Rossi Boots brand was another example of the rebirth in SA's manufacturing sector.

"Rossi Boots' survival and expansion plans are a wonderful story of how high-quality Australian made goods can continue to flourish in the fiercely competitive footwear market," he said.

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"The state government will work with Rossi Boots to ensure it has the skilled workforce it needs expand the production of its iconic boots."

Rossi Boots was founded in 1910 by South Australian Arthur Rossiter, who supplied combat boots to the armed forces during both world wars.

The Ripple Boot, which was developed later, went on to become the boot of choice for rockers in the 1950s.

But it was "The Endura" boot in 1993 that won the hearts and minds of those involved in the agriculture, wine and trade industries alike.

The Propel Group, which is a part owner and manager of Rossi Boots, also owns the iconic Australian brands, RB Sellars and Driza-Bone.