Bas Phillips Pty Ltd

1932 - Herbert (Bert) Shelley Phillips opens business as a manufacturer's agent, representing Collins Bros Woollen Mills of Geelong, Victoria. Collins Bros manufactured “Physician” Blankets & men's suitings & flannels. 1939 - Despite the economic “Depression”, Bert's business flourished until the 2nd World War began. In 1939, the mill's production was switched to essential commodities such as armed forces blankets & woollen uniform materials. Bert rationed the domestic production of blankets to the retail stores. 1953 - Bert becomes ill, so his third child, Basil (Bas) joins the company after completing his Diploma at The Textile Institute in Geelong. Bas was working part time at Collins Woollen Mill, learning every aspect of each production department. 1966 - Bas changes the name of the company to H.S. Phillips & Son to encourage Bert to recover but to no avail. Unfortunately Bert dies in 1966. Bas continues to build up the company. Bas' knowledge and enthusiasm for the textile industry is widely respected by his peers and he is invited to become the arbitrator between manufacturers and retailers for dispute resolution. 1992 - Bas runs training seminars and product knowledge sessions for the buyers and retailers. In 1992, after being invited to attend an expo for Egypt, Bas recognises the appropriateness & relevance of importing high grade Egyptian Cotton into Australia. 1996 - Bas's third daughter, Jo-Anne joins the company for the second time in 1996 having worked together previously in 1981-83. 1998 sees the launch of the “Bas Phillips” logo and our own brand is born. 2004 - Bas's health declines and he is unwillingly forced into retirement. Jo-Anne continues on with the company, expanding the Egyptian Cotton specialty with a children's range, towel ranges, blankets and several designer ranges.