In 1976, Peter Klein seized an opportunity when Wodonga Technical School's public announcement system called for an apprentice dye chemist at Macquarie Textiles in Albury. A brief discussion with his chemistry teacher led to his hiring, starting a career that would span over two decades. Klein began with a modest salary of about $64 a week, marking the beginning of a significant journey in the textile industry.

Macquarie Textiles, also known as Amalgamated Textiles and Macquarie Worsteds, operated in Albury from 1923 until 2020. Founded by local graziers, the mill produced a variety of wool products, including blankets and industrial cloth, catering to high-end fashion and prominent building designers. According to Sandra Endresz, curator at the Albury Library Museum, the mill became the largest wool mill in Australia after a major expansion in 1994. "By then, they were producing 80 percent of the domestic wool and cloth in Australia, and supplying nearly all the woollen cloth for uniform fabric for the Australian Defence Force," she stated.

The company was known for its high-quality fabrics, supplying materials for police uniforms, Olympic athletes, and major retailers. Notable clients included David Jones, Country Road, Carla Zampatti, and Anthea Crawford. Its fabrics were also used in significant locations such as Parliament House, Qantas lounges, and the Sydney Opera House. Klein, who worked at the mill until the late 1990s, remarked on its reputation, saying, "It was difficult for anyone to compete against us because we were so good at what we did."

The factory's workforce was diverse, initially bringing in workers and machinery from Bradford, a UK textile hub. It also employed many migrants who arrived in Australia after World War II, particularly those from the Bonegilla Migration Reception and Training Centre. Endresz noted, "Including the very first displaced persons to arrive from the Baltic countries." The mill significantly impacted the local economy, starting with around 200 employees and peaking at 700. "Who knows how many people worked there? It must have been in the thousands," she added.

Klein's work at the mill gained attention in the 1970s for unexpected reasons. While working on color-matching for Victoria Police uniforms, he faced a challenge when his Swiss dye ran out. He recalled a conversation with the mill's manager, Jim Barr, who informed him, "Pete, we were just mentioned in parliament. They want to know why the police uniforms weren't ready." This incident highlighted the mill's role in producing essential materials for public services.

Klein also contributed to matching curtains and seating for Australia's new Parliament House, which opened in 1988. He proudly noted that when the building lit up at night, Bogong moths were attracted to it, but they did not damage the Macquarie Textiles curtains due to a moth-proofing agent that the company had added.

The legacy of Macquarie Textiles is currently showcased at the Albury Library Museum. An exhibition featuring photographs, fabric samples, uniforms, and donations from former employees and customers is on display and will run until April 19. This exhibition serves as a tribute to the mill's long-standing impact on the textile industry and the local community.