FIFTY minutes is all it takes to knit a jumper.
That's the case at Hysport International's Melbourne factory anyhow, which is one of few remaining whole garment manufacturers left in Australia.
Recently acquired by Australian Wool Network (AWN), the company is behind the Merino Snug brand, which specialises in possum-Merino blend knitwear.
"The fact that we're Australian made is something we're very proud of," said Rod Murray, Hysport textiles manager.
On the factory floor are 13 cutting-edge knitting machines, meticulously programmed to spit out gloves, beanies, jumpers and more – and all in one piece.
"The machines mostly used overseas, manufacture all the pieces separately and then have a production line of people sewing them together," Mr Murray said.
Garments only need to be trimmed up once out of the machine, meaning crucial labour saving for the company.
Possum fur is sourced from New Zealand, where the introduced species runs so rampant without threat from predators it's considered an 'ecological disaster' by the NZ government.
It's blended almost 50-50 with 19.5-micron Merino wool, which AWN purchases from Australian farmers and ships to New Zealand for processing.
Tourists are the main customer base for the Merino Sung knitwear line, which is often retailed around tourist spots and at airports.
