In 1952, Robert Slape began his butcher’s apprenticeship with Ken Borchard at the age of 14. It was there he learnt about the importance of quality meats and how to make superior sausages. In 1965, after gaining 13 years’ experience and receiving excellent praise for the sausages he had made for Ken, Robert decided to open his own shop. Robbie Slape Sausages was a small corner butcher shop located in St Peters, South Australia, which had continued support from locals.
In 1981 and 1982, Robbie’s sons Philip and Paul entered the business, respectively. With the three Slape’s working together, the business enjoyed steady growth over the following years. Consequently, in 1988 the business changed from a Sole Proprietor to a Partnership to include Robbie, Paul and Philip as Managers and relocated to bigger premises in Tranmere, South Australia.
Robbie Slape Sausages then became Slape and Sons Sausages.
As growth of the business continued rapidly each year, it was not long before the business had to relocate once again to a larger factory outlet in Newton. The sustained growth of the business meant that Slape and Sons had to become a private company in 2001. After Robbie retired in 2009, the business continues to be run by Managing Directors Paul & Philip Slape.
