Ever wanted to know all about ties? Just ask us – we now know it all. We had a get-together with our SLG friends yesterday and Jan had arranged a tour through the Sander Tie Company factory at Otaki. The company was established in 1921 and although it does not have the staff numbers of earlier years, is still going strong. Rugby fanatics will be interested to know that Sander’s holds the licence to produce the All Black ties both at retail and team level, and for the Black Caps teams. They also won the licence to produce ties for the 2005 Lions Tour of New Zealand. Our guys were delighted when they were presented with three of these 2005 Lions Tour ties each to take home.
Guys and their ties – made for the 2005 Lions Tour of New Zealand
The machines in the factory are from Germany, and the staff are all multi skilled. Our tour guide took us through the factory, showing us stage by stage how the process evolves. Someone asked how dangerous it was to fingers and hands, working with these various machines. The guide answered, “they only have one accident, then they take even more care”. The ties are made up of several parts, with each machine doing a specific part of the process, from sewing on the “tip”, adding the lining, stitching bar tacks, steam pressing, and adding the label. I loved watching one particular machine as the ties were threaded onto rods, then whoosh, away they went inside the machine where they were turned right side out, just like magic.
The very first stage
The ties are threaded on to rods, then the machine turns them right side out
Extra long ties are made for very tall men, so their tie does not end up halfway down their shirt front. Bow ties and cravats for the discerning man are available, and there is a lovely range of New Zealand inspired souvenir ties. The company can also make a “one off” tie to match a ball gown or wedding dress, at a most reasonable price, I thought. Although our guys are all retired now, and don’t wear ties like they used to, it was certainly an interesting visit to see how they are made.
Ties of many colours
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