By Phillip Whitten
March 7. SPEEDO, a company that originated in Australia (though it no longer is Aussie-owned) and is all but synonymous with the Aussie summer, was in its glory at the Sydney Games, reaping the benefits of worldwide headlines about its new sharkskin bodysuits.
Now, just six months after the Games, Speedo has shut down its swim suit factory in Sydney and laid off 65 workers. The company has decided to move most of its swimwear manufacturing to—of all places–China.
The 65 sacked workers have written an open letter to Australia’s Olympic swimmers asking for their support as they fight to save their jobs. According to columnist Mike Gibson, of The Telegraph, the response has been lukewarm. Michael Klim has expressed his concern but, along with his fellow Olympians, refused to become involved.
My recent Speedo swimwear purchase for my granddaughter has only lasted a disappointingly short time and faded as well. Not up to the old Speedo quality!