Alvey Reels: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Australian fishing tackle manufacturer}} |
{{Short description|Australian fishing tackle manufacturer}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}} |
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{{Multiple issues| |
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{{advert|date=December 2022}} |
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{{Infobox company |
{{Infobox company |
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|name = Alvey Reels |
| name = Alvey Reels |
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|logo = |
| logo = |
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|type = |
| type = |
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|traded_as = |
| traded_as = |
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|genre = |
| genre = |
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|foundation = 1920 |
| foundation = 1920 |
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|founders = Charles Alvey |
| founders = Charles Alvey |
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|location_city = [[Brisbane]] |
| location_city = [[Brisbane]] |
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|location_country = Australia |
| location_country = Australia |
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|location = <!--modifies "Headquarters" entry--> |
| location = <!--modifies "Headquarters" entry--> |
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|origins = |
| origins = |
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|key_people = Bruce Alvey |
| key_people = Bruce Alvey |
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|area_served = Worldwide |
| area_served = Worldwide |
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|industry = [[Retail]] |
| industry = [[Retail]] |
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|products = [[Fishing reel]] |
| products = [[Fishing reel]]s |
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|services = |
| services = |
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|revenue = |
| revenue = |
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|operating_income = |
| operating_income = |
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|net_income = |
| net_income = |
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|num_employees = |
| num_employees = |
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|parent = |
| parent = [[Gowing Bros Limited]] |
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|divisions = |
| divisions = |
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|subsid = |
| subsid = |
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|owner = |
| owner = |
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|caption = |
| caption = |
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|homepage = |
| homepage = |
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|dissolved = |
| dissolved = |
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|footnotes = |
| footnotes = |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Alvey Reels''' is an Australian manufacturer of fishing tackle, primarily known for fishing reels and rods. It was founded by Charles Alvey in [[Brisbane]] |
'''Alvey Reels''' is an Australian manufacturer of fishing tackle, primarily known for fishing reels and rods. It was founded by Charles Alvey in [[Brisbane]] in 1920, making it one of Australia's oldest family-owned fishing companies. |
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On |
On the 20th of July, 2017, the company announced that it would be closing. The managing director Bruce Alvey, great-grandson of the founder, said the company had "suffered a dramatic drop in sales, particularly in the last six months."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-07-20 |title='We made them too well': Alvey fishing reel company to close after 97 years |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-20/alvey-reels-to-close-down-qld/8726302 |access-date=2022-07-03}}</ref> |
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In mid |
In mid-2019, Alvey was saved from closure and is still producing reels.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-08-01 |title=End of the line for Alvey Reels delayed after surge in orders |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-01/alvey-reels-to-stay-open-longer-due-to-increase-in-orders/8762752 |access-date=2022-07-03}}</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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Alvey Reels started in 1920 when Charles Alvey, an English migrant, saw the need for a fishing reel that was easy to use, easy to cast, simple to maintain, and solidly constructed to give many years of trouble-free angling. |
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Working on the basic principle of the Scottish Malloch reel, he designed a reel which allowed the body of the reel to be turned sideways when casting, permitting the line to strip freely from the edge of a specially shaped spool. |
Working on the basic principle of the Scottish Malloch reel, he designed a reel which allowed the body of the reel to be turned sideways when casting, permitting the line to strip freely from the edge of a specially shaped spool. This eliminated the problems of backlash and overrun common to users of the multiplying type of reel. When the reel was returned to the fishing position, it afforded the best positive direct rewind of the centrepin reel, which lost favour only because of difficulty in casting. So, the Alvey reel came into being, combining easy casting and forceful rewinding. {{Citation needed|date=December 2023}} |
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⚫ | By 1923, the demand had become so great that Charles Alvey's son Ken, a qualified pattern maker and draftsman, joined the business and a partnership was formed. Together they steered the company into the 1930s, pouring all available profits back into new machinery and taking on more staff to increase production. By this time about 25,000 reels were being produced annually. |
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The original factory was a small shed without electric power in the [[Brisbane]] suburb of [[St Lucia, Queensland]], whereby using a treadle lathe, Charles Alvey painstakingly produced about twenty reels per week. His work was so meticulous that anglers called the Alvey ‘The reel you cannot wear out’. |
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⚫ | By 1923 the demand had become so great that Charles Alvey's son Ken, a qualified pattern maker and draftsman, joined the business and a partnership was formed. Together they steered the company into the |
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Ken Alvey died in 1973. In 1974, a flood caused severe damage to the Alvey factory. Manufacturing was brought back on line two months later. Members of the public and fishing club supporters donated their time and efforts to assist the Alvey family and staff. |
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Around this time{{When|date=December 2022}}, Jack Alvey's eldest son Bruce joined the company. With this union, the father and son partnership was re-established. |
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Ken Alvey's son Jack joined the firm in 1946 after obtaining his qualifications with a local engineering works. Jack also was a keen fisherman and champion distance caster. |
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The post-war demand for the product created a constant struggle to cope with necessary production. Buildings were erected and new machinery was installed, with every bit of available space used. Even with a staff of fifty people automatic machinery was introduced, and methods of production became more streamlined. By this time, overseas orders were starting to come in, adding further pressure on top of the domestic production requirements. In the early 1970s it became an absolute necessity that some future plans be made to move to larger premises, as no further expansion could be made at the St. Lucia factory. |
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Ken Alvey died in 1973 after leading a full and successful life. He was spared the anguish of the disastrous flood early in 1974 which caused havoc in Brisbane and severe damage to the Alvey factory. Enormous effort was required to bring manufacturing back on line two months later. The clean-up was a dirty job but members of the public and many fishing club supporters donated their time and efforts to assist the Alvey family and staff in this horrid task. This temporary setback delayed the company's expansion plans; however, they were postponed, not put aside. |
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In 1988, Jack's youngest son Glenn joined the company. The Alveys acquired the property next to theirs on the Carole Park industrial estate in 1990. |
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⚫ | During the 1990s, there was a major change in the methods of construction of the company's most popular reels. In the early 1990s, the first graphite back/fibreglass 4” (100 mm) reel was designed and manufactured. An ‘Easy Cast’ system based on a very early 1930 system was developed and by using tough strong injection moulded plastics a new range of economy reels was started. |
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⚫ | In 1976 the initial design for new factory and office premises |
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Larger models in the 6” (150 mm) and 6 ½” (165 mm) were added to this range in 1997-98. |
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In 1988 Jack's youngest son Glenn joined the company, bringing with him computer, management and administration skills. The Alveys acquired the property next to theirs on the Carole Park industrial estate in 1990 to ensure the company's expansion in the future is never held back by lack of space. |
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⚫ | During the 1990s |
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The 4” (100 mm) and 5” (125 mm) models incorporating the Easy Cast system certainly proved to be what the market wanted with tens of thousands of these models being produced. |
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Larger models in the 6” (150 mm) and 6 ½” (165 mm) were added to this range in the 1997-98 era. To retain the reputation of indestructible it was decided to retain the metal Ferguson style side cast on the larger series married with an ultra-light yet ultra-strong graphite back which literally bounces off the rocks or concrete. |
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⚫ | Since 2000, Alvey have built their range of imported fishing rods to 16 Models in 2012. These cover children's rods through to surf models and now a specialist blackfish Rod. These also include 2 Telescopic rods to suit the ever-growing numbers of grey nomads who love fishing and need an easily transportable rod. |
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The 825BCV Model also incorporated a rapid retrieve handle plate system. This is simply done by have the handles at different centre distances which can give you approximately 30% increase in recovery rate by using the small handle. No gears No bearings No problems. This system has now been adapted to several models. |
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⚫ | In 2008 the Turbo Cast System was developed. This injection moulded component stands the reel slightly further off the rod to increase the line flow during casting which will improve distance. |
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2011 saw the importing of the first ever overseas made reel. |
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⚫ | Since 2000 Alvey have built their range of imported fishing rods to 16 Models in 2012. These cover children's rods through to surf models and now a specialist blackfish Rod. These also include 2 Telescopic rods to suit the ever-growing numbers of grey nomads who love fishing and need an easily transportable rod. |
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2014 saw the release of the Model 6000C8 reel. This had the traditional rolled Stainless Back with a laser cut fishtail cross and a CNC machined Anodized Alloy spool made in China for us. It also incorporated a large single plate clutch with a Carbon clutch washer.”<ref>{{Cite book |first=Bob |last=Dunn |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/38360261 |title=Australian fishing reels : a collector's guide |date=1994 |publisher=Antiquarian Angler |isbn=0-646-20507-2 |oclc=38360261}}</ref> |
2014 saw the release of the Model 6000C8 reel. This had the traditional rolled Stainless Back with a laser cut fishtail cross and a CNC machined Anodized Alloy spool made in China for us. It also incorporated a large single plate clutch with a Carbon clutch washer.”<ref>{{Cite book |first=Bob |last=Dunn |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/38360261 |title=Australian fishing reels : a collector's guide |date=1994 |publisher=Antiquarian Angler |isbn=0-646-20507-2 |oclc=38360261}}</ref> |
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In July 2017 the business |
In July 2017, the business decided to close due to a decline in sales. |
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In mid-2019, Alvey Reels was sold to a |
In mid-2019, Alvey Reels was sold to a business consortium, but with members of the Alvey family still continuing to hold senior positions in the organisation. In 2022, Alvey Reels was acquired by Gowings, an Australian investment company. <ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-12-09 |title=Alvey Reels to stay open after acquisition by Australian investment firm |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-09/alvey-reels-will-remain-open-after-being-acquired-by-gowings/101755902 |access-date=2022-12-09}}</ref> The acquisition saved the company from being shut down. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |
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==External links== |
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*{{Official website|https://alvey.com.au/}} |
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[[Category:Fishing equipment manufacturers]] |
[[Category:Fishing equipment manufacturers]] |
Latest revision as of 13:51, 4 July 2024
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Industry | Retail |
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Founded | 1920 |
Founders | Charles Alvey |
Headquarters | , Australia |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Bruce Alvey |
Products | Fishing reels |
Parent | Gowing Bros Limited |
Alvey Reels is an Australian manufacturer of fishing tackle, primarily known for fishing reels and rods. It was founded by Charles Alvey in Brisbane in 1920, making it one of Australia's oldest family-owned fishing companies.
On the 20th of July, 2017, the company announced that it would be closing. The managing director Bruce Alvey, great-grandson of the founder, said the company had "suffered a dramatic drop in sales, particularly in the last six months."[1]
In mid-2019, Alvey was saved from closure and is still producing reels.[2]
History
[edit]Alvey Reels started in 1920 when Charles Alvey, an English migrant, saw the need for a fishing reel that was easy to use, easy to cast, simple to maintain, and solidly constructed to give many years of trouble-free angling.
Working on the basic principle of the Scottish Malloch reel, he designed a reel which allowed the body of the reel to be turned sideways when casting, permitting the line to strip freely from the edge of a specially shaped spool. This eliminated the problems of backlash and overrun common to users of the multiplying type of reel. When the reel was returned to the fishing position, it afforded the best positive direct rewind of the centrepin reel, which lost favour only because of difficulty in casting. So, the Alvey reel came into being, combining easy casting and forceful rewinding. [citation needed]
By 1923, the demand had become so great that Charles Alvey's son Ken, a qualified pattern maker and draftsman, joined the business and a partnership was formed. Together they steered the company into the 1930s, pouring all available profits back into new machinery and taking on more staff to increase production. By this time about 25,000 reels were being produced annually.
1939 brought the Second World War and an abrupt halt to Alvey production. Machinery was converted to assist the war effort by producing vehicle and aircraft components which were to be so essential over the following six-year period.
In 1945, efforts were once again turned to the manufacturing of fishing reels. Also, in 1945, Charles Alvey passed away, leaving behind his family to takeover the business. Ken Alvey's son Jack joined the firm in 1946 after obtaining his qualifications with a local engineering works.
Ken Alvey died in 1973. In 1974, a flood caused severe damage to the Alvey factory. Manufacturing was brought back on line two months later. Members of the public and fishing club supporters donated their time and efforts to assist the Alvey family and staff.
Around this time[when?], Jack Alvey's eldest son Bruce joined the company. With this union, the father and son partnership was re-established.
In 1976, the initial design for new a factory and office premises was created. In 1978, land was acquired in the Industrial estate at Carole Park, and tenders were called for construction. By September, the building had been completed.
In 1987, a major expansion of the Carole Park plant was executed, taking the buildings to the maximum size allowed on the area of land. Plastic injection moulding machines were installed, and a new range of products using the latest technology emerged.
In 1988, Jack's youngest son Glenn joined the company. The Alveys acquired the property next to theirs on the Carole Park industrial estate in 1990.
During the 1990s, there was a major change in the methods of construction of the company's most popular reels. In the early 1990s, the first graphite back/fibreglass 4” (100 mm) reel was designed and manufactured. An ‘Easy Cast’ system based on a very early 1930 system was developed and by using tough strong injection moulded plastics a new range of economy reels was started.
Larger models in the 6” (150 mm) and 6 ½” (165 mm) were added to this range in 1997-98.
In 1997, a fully vented graphite blue water saltwater fly reel was added to the Alvey range in place of the older heavier metal and fibreglass SWF reel. Reels were exported to the USA, New Zealand and UK.
2000 saw the release of the vented 6500 series reels followed by the 6000 series in mid-2001.
In June 2001, Jack Alvey passed away from cancer. In 1999, Jack was awarded an OAM for his efforts in promoting recreational fishing and strongly supporting junior anglers wherever possible.
Late 2001 saw the release of the first graphite vented 825 series boat reels. This used a graphite back and vented spool to keep weight down but still offered the angler a powerful low maintenance reel for deep sea fishing.The 825BCV Model also incorporated a rapid retrieve handle plate system.
In 2008, the Turbo Cast System was developed. This injection moulded component stands the reel slightly further off the rod to increase the line flow during casting which will improve distance. 2011 saw the importing of the first ever overseas made reel.
Since 2000, Alvey have built their range of imported fishing rods to 16 Models in 2012. These cover children's rods through to surf models and now a specialist blackfish Rod. These also include 2 Telescopic rods to suit the ever-growing numbers of grey nomads who love fishing and need an easily transportable rod.
2014 saw the release of the Model 6000C8 reel. This had the traditional rolled Stainless Back with a laser cut fishtail cross and a CNC machined Anodized Alloy spool made in China for us. It also incorporated a large single plate clutch with a Carbon clutch washer.”[3]
In July 2017, the business decided to close due to a decline in sales.
In mid-2019, Alvey Reels was sold to a business consortium, but with members of the Alvey family still continuing to hold senior positions in the organisation. In 2022, Alvey Reels was acquired by Gowings, an Australian investment company. [4] The acquisition saved the company from being shut down.
References
[edit]- ^ "'We made them too well': Alvey fishing reel company to close after 97 years". ABC News. 20 July 2017. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ^ "End of the line for Alvey Reels delayed after surge in orders". ABC News. 1 August 2017. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ^ Dunn, Bob (1994). Australian fishing reels : a collector's guide. Antiquarian Angler. ISBN 0-646-20507-2. OCLC 38360261.
- ^ "Alvey Reels to stay open after acquisition by Australian investment firm". ABC News. 9 December 2022. Retrieved 9 December 2022.