Kerry Hodges, Bendigo Factory Manager, Australian Defence Apparel
Q: Tell me a little bit about you. You started at the ADA Bendigo Factory as a sewing machinist?
I have been in the clothing industry (Rag Trade) for 45 years.
Yes, I started as a sewing machinist with ADA in 1988 (or as it was known the Australian Government Clothing Factory) in a very small building as a pilot factory. I learnt to use many types of equipment which helped me expand my skillset then I moved into quality, supervising, training and then to my current role of Factory Manager at the facility.
Q: What does your factory do and who does it provide uniforms for?
The factory makes protective apparel for many services and businesses throughout Australia and beyond. Some of the customers we provide uniforms to are; the Australian Defence Force, New Zealand Defence Force, New South Wales Health, Victorian Ambulance, Victorian Police, NSW Police, QLD Fire and Emergency Services, QLD Police, WA Fire and Emergency Services, Victoria Country Fire Authority, Victoria Country Fire volunteers, NSW Wildlands Fire, Toll, Energex and more, this is just to name a few.
Q: Is it hard to make uniforms for all different shapes and sizes?
Once our design team get the fittings and patterns sent to the customer satisfaction team, any issues will then be smoothed out. It’s a bit like putting a jigsaw puzzle together… we have a group of people that we work with and a variety of fabrics to work with. Some of the fabrics require specialised equipment to sew them, so sizing and custom fitting is never an issue.
Q.: How have uniforms changed since you started 32 years ago?
It’s a totally different environment we are in now from when I first started. Back then, the consumer/user had no choice in their selection of fabrics and fit. The limited offerings provided were an off-the-shelf, “one-solution for all”, “take it or leave it” approach only. Now, the industry responds to what is right for the user/consumer and we help with providing solutions to suit the environment or theatre our clients work in, including; specialised fabrics, comfort fits, breathability, performance, durability and more.
Q: How has manufacturing changed since you started 32 years ago?
Manufacturing has changed vastly over 30+ years. Major changes include; the equipment I first used being very different to what it is now and everything was a manual process including a backtack and a cut off. Now, the equipment we purchase is automatic including the backtack and cut off… which is great for accuracy! We also work with robotics, automation, heat sealing and auto cut-off equipment. In the cutting area there used to be a team of people (which could be up to 20 team members) that used hand cutters only. Our company was one of the first in Australia to invest in automation for cutting and this led to accuracy, precision, reliability and assisted in expanding its staff skillsets.
Q: How does it feel knowing you are in a job supporting the ADF?
I feel extremely humbled and proud to know that I am contributing to our frontline workers. They deserve the best quality and I love being a part of the process to deliver it! I am very proud of the quality of the work we produce out of the factory as ADF products are comfortable, functional and fit-for-purpose no matter what environment our client is in.
Q: Can you tell me: What you are reading now?
James Patterson – Along came a spider
I also love a good murder mystery.
Favourite movie?
Forrest Gump has to be my all-time favourite.
And what's your favourite weekend activity
I have a 3-year-old grandson, so I love spending quality time with him. We love visiting the playground and checking out new playgrounds in the area.
