The head of Pacific Brands says manufacturing clothing in Australia no longer gives it a competitive advantage.

The company owns businesses including Bonds, King Gee, Holeproof and Berlei and has announced it will cut more than 1,850 jobs and close seven factories.

It is aiming to find $150 million a year in savings and will also look at selling assets and axing brands.

full story here
and refused government help!!!
PACIFIC Brands knocked back offers of more taxpayer-funded support before deciding to cease manufacturing in Australia, the Federal Government has revealed.
The maker of iconic Australian clothing brands such as Bonds and King Gee announced yesterday it would close local operations, slashing more than 1800 jobs.

Employment Minister Julia Gillard said Pacific Brands had been asked if there was "anything" the government to do alter its decision. "But the answer was no," she said on ABC radio.
full story here

Bonds alone has been a part of australia for over 90yrs
And is mentioned as an icon on Pacific Brands own site
here
sad day 4 australia

ZombieKitten said:

Bet they r using the recession as an excuse- probably wanted to do it 4 yrs

prb said:

Aussies will probably boycott those brands in protest

prb said:

Don't know anything about the company but that's what came to my mind,
guess businesses are now looking at their companies and finding ways to re-organize and streamline their operations.
Too bad it has to be in this economic climate they choose to do it, making it harder for their employees to find another job.

ZombieKitten said:

hubby wears king gee, rugrat wears bonds- and we just brought new tontine pillows. not boycotting til its a definate that they are moving.
workers actually said on sunrise to wait to see what talks with employers bring about before any furthern action- this was in reply to kochie asking whether they thought aussies should/or would be boycotting