Waverley Mills supply high quality throw rugs for the new Spirit of Tasmania

2 November 2023

The 150-year-old Waverley Mills in Launceston has secured the contract to supply two types of throw rugs that will feature on the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels. 

The order of 350 wool throws comprises a travel rug for use in the business class recliner chairs and a premium superfine merino throw for the deluxe cabins.

Penny Rundle, Waverley Mill’s Manager Partnerships and Growth, said the company had previously manufactured wool rugs and quilts for Qantas, and about 20-years-ago provided quilts for Spirit of Tasmania.

“We no longer make quilts, but are very pleased to once again be providing Waverley-made products to Spirit of Tasmania, and we are incredibly proud that Waverley will be represented on the new vessels,” she said.

"As the oldest weaving mill in Australia, we are honoured that Spirit of Tasmania and Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) will showcase our product.  

“In purchasing from Waverley, Spirit of Tasmania and RMC are also recognising Tasmania’s wool growing heritage.”

Waverley Mills’ entire range is made in Launceston at its mill on the banks of Distillery Creek.

Ms Rundle said most families in Launceston would know of someone who worked at Waverley, which in its heyday employed more than 300 people.

“We continue to be a 100 per cent Australian-owned company and are undergoing a multi-million dollar capital works program to upgrade machinery and infrastructure, including essential maintenance on our heritage buildings and older machinery still in use,” she said.

RMC formally started construction of Spirit of Tasmania IV last year when the first steel was cut at a traditional ceremony at the RMC facility in Finland. The second steel cutting ceremony was completed just prior to Christmas 2022.

RMC is one of Europe's leading shipbuilding companies. 

The Rauma-based company, founded in the summer of 2014, is fully under Finnish ownership. 

RMC specialises in the construction and maintenance of car and passenger ferries, icebreakers and defence vessels. 

More information is available at www.rmcfinland.fi

You can discover the Waverley Mills collection at www.waverleymills.com

More information about the new ships is available at: newships.spiritoftasmania.com.au