About Us
Our Story: A Legacy of Excellence
Onkaparinga is one of Australia's oldest and most cherished brands, with a history that dates back to 1869. Founded in the charming town of Hahndorf, South Australia, our journey began with two German immigrant brothers, Heinrich and Edward Kramm, both skilled weavers. They started their modest operations in a mud hut with basic machinery they brought from their homeland. Despite facing early challenges, including financial difficulties and a temporary closure, the Kramm brothers' passion and determination laid the foundation for what would become a legendary brand.
In 1873, the Kramm brothers teamed up with Mr. F.W. Kleinschmidt, who relocated the operations to a disused brewery in Lobethal, along the banks of the Onkaparinga River. Despite further struggles, including a severe drought and economic depression, the business persevered. By 1883, under the leadership of Mr. David Murphy and with a new company name, "The South Australian Woollen Factory," Onkaparinga began its ascent as a leading manufacturer in Australia.
Our Evolution: Tradition Meets Innovation
Over the next century, Onkaparinga continued to grow, becoming a household name synonymous with quality, luxury, and innovation. From our humble beginnings with hand-operated machinery to becoming one of Australia's largest wool manufacturers, we've always been committed to excellence. Today, our products reflect over 145 years of experience, passion, and ingenuity.
In recent years, William A. McNeil & Co. (WAM) proudly took over the reins, bringing fresh energy and vision to our storied brand. While we continue to manufacture superior bedding ranges, we also source exclusive, luxurious homewares from Europe, Turkey, Egypt, and the Asia-Pacific region. Our commitment to quality and luxury remains unwavering as we continue to innovate and create products that bring comfort and elegance to homes worldwide.
Our Future: Continuing the Legacy
As we look forward to the future, we remain dedicated to upholding the values and traditions that have made Onkaparinga a beloved brand for generations. We are excited to write the next chapter in our history, continuing to offer luxurious, high-quality homewares that our customers have come to know and love. With a focus on sustainability, traceability, and local manufacturing, we are proud to carry the Onkaparinga legacy into the future.