Silverdale
The Aristocrat of Knitwear
6 Stanley Street, Levin, New Zealand
Edward Angus Antcliff came to New Zealand in 1913 as a land agent/auctioneer. He first worked as a labourer/fencer on a dairy farm at Karori, Wellington and then moved to Marton where he worked in the Post Office and did the rural mail delivery on a Clyno motor cycle. He then moved to Dannevirke and entered buisness on his own account as a land agent etc..just as the depression started. Having heard of the Angora pure bred rabbits, he imported breeding stock stock from England and the resultant "wool" clip was in turn exported back to England.
Knitting started with 4 or 5 basic machines and buisness continued to grow with door to door selling on a make to order basis. First Reg, then Bryan entered the Air Force and knitting closed down from 1943-45. After the war the Company relocated in Levin in a small part of the present building as illustrated in the photo below.
Photo 1:
The late Mr E. A. Antcilff (1881-1967)
Photo 2:
R.S. Antcliff (Director)
M.K. Cotterill (General Manager)
B.J. Antcliff (Chairman)
Photo 3:
From humble beginnings and a total staff of six. The original "tin shed" with first addition-late 1940's.
Levin Knitting Mills Ltd commenced business in Levin in 1946 in the Levin Laundry building. The original staff numbered three in addition to the Antcliffs. The 13th employee, Miss Doris McLeod, commenced with the Firm in Feb. 1948 and is now in her 34th year of service. The Company grew over the years and staff levels peaked at 140 in the late 1970's. Recent economic downturn in the textile industry has meant a drop in staff to 85. The Company's brand name of "Silverdale" is widely known and the Company officially changed its name to Silverdale Knitwear Ltd in 1979.
Of the present staff, 27 have completed 10 years service or more and a further 10 have been with us for 5 years plus. Many family combinations have worked for the Company over the years, illustrating the esteem in which the Company is held.
The management and staff of Silverdale join with the Borough Council in celebrating the 75th Jubilee of Levin, a town which we are proud to hav been a part of for the past 35 years.
Photo 4:
With new front and additions approx 1955
Photo 5:
1981-Modern frontage and further additions.
