Morris Woollen Mills Pty Ltd

In 1931 John Morris purchased 20 acres of land at Redbank, near Watson's slaughteryards, in order to establish a woollen mill. Working with his son Ivor, John Morris established Morris Woollen Mills at Redbank in 1933, on an old meat works site.  Prior to this, John Morris had been Managing Director of Ipswich Woollen Mills in East Ipswich. Ivor also worked at Ipswich Woollen Mills, becoming Managing Director of Morris Woollen Mills in 1934 after his father had a stroke. As with Ipswich Woollen Mills, John had travelled to the United Kingdom to purchase textile machinery for the new mill.

Starting with five employees, the mill at its zenith had over 1000 employees in the 1950s. They were the largest private employer in Ipswich at this time. The plant processed wool from its raw state to fine fabric. During World War II the mill produced blankets and uniform materials for the military.

The mill was bought by Primac Holdings Ltd in  June 1980, ceasing operations in 1983.

The site would become Sunrock Wool Pty Ltd., closing in 1990.

Ivor lived next door to the mill at 17 River Road, Redbank.

John Morris was a nephew of Lewis Thomas and lived in York Street, East Ipswich.

Morris Woollen Mills was established on the site of Redbank Meat Works. In 1857 a boiling down works was located here. Then in 1897 a chilled meat works was on this site, followed by a freezing works in 1990.