Alvey Reels to close after 122 years

The shock decision to close the Brisbane-based company comes only two years after it said a big lift in production to meet demand, some from new export markets, meant business was booming.

Now, the pandemic’s impact on staffing levels, the cost of sourcing now-scarce materials to make the iconic fishing gear and the inability to have them delivered in time have forced Alvey to wind down the business. 

The last day of manufacturing after 102 years will be next month, on June 30. Until then, Charles Alvey & Son will have a fire sale.

“We are currently sitting on significant supplies across our whole range of Alvey products, and as such, there will be structured sell-down of all our stock,” it said in a message posted to its website. 

“We anticipate running with warehouse/dispatch and administration staff with current stock on hand, which will carry us through to January/February 2023, but we will not be able to remain open after this time. 

“Effective immediately to assist our administration team, the Alvey phones will be diverted to an answering service and all calls will be monitored and returned during each day.”

Anyone wanting to order Alvey products including spare parts will need to order via Alvey’s website, with spare parts available only via Alvey, Tackleland Sandgate or Charlton’s Fishing.

“We at Alvey Reels deeply regret this difficult decision, and whilst we commit to supplying as many of our products as we can for as long as we can, our immediate priorities are our loyal staff, our dedicated retailers and passionate supporters and customers,” Alvey said.