Sock it to me: Meet local manufacturers, Sock Makers 2020
Sock Makers 2020, tucked away in the Biz Industrial Park on 9 Chonny Crescent, is one of the few remaining sock manufacturers in New Zealand. WiriLink sat down with owner Sowndra Rajan Palanisamy to talk about the journey of running a small manufacturing business, the importance of local production, and why merino is a treat for your feet.
Sock Makers 2020 produces a wide range of socks including sports socks, gumboot socks, compression socks, school socks and even small custom runs for clubs and companies.
“Normally, companies don’t do smaller runs, but we’re happy to do smaller runs, whatever quantity. We can even add their logo” says Sowndra.
That flexibility, paired with precision and passion for quality, has earned them contracts with well-known New Zealand brands.
The star of their operation is merino wool, a fibre that has long been celebrated for its natural performance qualities.
“Merino wool is a breathable fabric. It reacts according to your body temperature, not the outside temperature. Other materials work with their own characteristics; acrylic makes heat, cotton is cool, but merino reacts with your body. It draws the moisture away, keeps it dry, and wicks water out.”
The result is a sock that’s warm in winter, cool in summer, and comfortable all day long. For those who spend long hours in boots, on farms, or on their feet, that difference is more than a luxury – it’s a necessity.
By focussing on merino, Sock Makers 2020 products are a more sustainable choice for consumers. A well-made merino sock simply lasts longer.
“If you buy socks from cheaper providers, they’ll wear out after a few months. Our socks last years. You spend a bit more, but it saves money, and waste, in the long run.”
One customer mentioned that she’s been wearing a pair for ten years. That kind of durability is unheard of in the world of fast fashion.
“We want consumers to try and support the local first. If products aren’t available here, then buy from outside, but at least try to support what we make here.”
At a time when much of the world’s textile manufacturing has shifted offshore, Sock Makers 2020 remains proudly local. Their products are made in New Zealand from locally sourced merino wool, combined with high-quality elastic and yarns imported only where necessary.
“We want to keep encouraging local manufacturing businesses to support each other.”
This belief in local collaboration extends beyond his own workshop. Sowndra regularly supports others wanting to start small retail businesses, often people working from home or those looking for a second income.
“We have to grow together. Their growth is my growth”.
Running a small manufacturing business in New Zealand is not without its challenges. Rising costs – power, logistics, wages is constantly put pressure on margins.
“Retail business is tough these days, costs are up across the board. But we can’t just increase the price, even ten cents is a big deal for customers.”
Despite these challenges, Sowndra continues to invest in his business. Since taking over the business in 2020, he admits it was a big learning curve.
“When you go to work, it’s totally different. When the business is your own, you have to do everything yourself. When I started, I didn’t even know how to create an invoice, I’ve had to learn step by step.”
From four machines when he started, he now operates seven and has recently purchased ten more, effectively doubling production capacity. The factory even produces gloves and offers embroidery services, always adapting to customer demand. Sowndra himself is in charge of the design software which can make any print design required.
“People send their designs, and I convert it using the machine’s software. I have to do it pixel by pixel, which can take a bit of work.”
Sock Makers 2020 continues to grow steadily, driven by Sowndra’s mix of technical knowledge, craftsmanship, and integrity. He’s planning to expand into new product lines like grip socks, which require specialised machinery.
“If I invest, I can give more people jobs” says Sowndra.
If you would like to know more about Sock Makers, their products and how they can work with your business contact Sowndra on in**@********rs.com, visit their website on www.sockmakers.com.
