The Wool Factory appointed Ian Walter as its first stock manager in 1982.

Mr Walter told the Mail-Times The Wool Factory had terminated his employment.

"I have been terminated after 25 years at The Wool Factory as the stock and wool manager," he said.

"I'm very disappointed in the way it has been handled and I am seeking legal advice."

The Wool Factory chief executive Tony Craig refused to be drawn on Mr Walter's employment termination.

Mr Craig said he had no comment because it was a private issue between The Wool Factory and Mr Walter.

He said he would be disappointed if the Mail-Times made the issue public.

Wimmera leaders and wool industry representatives have highlighted Mr Walter's achievements at The Wool Factory.

Horsham Mayor Pam Clarke said Mr Walter had contributed to The Wool Factory's success.

Cr Clarke liaised with Mr Walter when she worked with Wimmera Job Match in the early 1990s, helping people with a disability find open employment, often with The Wool Factory.

"Ian has been a great contributor to The Wool Factory and played quite a significant role in its success," Cr Clarke said.

Horsham Rural City Council chief executive Kerryn Shade said council declined to become involved in the termination of Mr Walter's employment.

"It's not a matter council would become involved in, it's an internal staff matter of The Wool Factory," Mr Shade said.

Former Horsham Mayor Don Johns chaired a public meeting to plan The Wool Factory in the early 1980s.

"I'm absolutely amazed a man of his ability and service to The Wool Factory over such a long time was dismissed in such a way," Mr Johns said.

He said Mr Walter had wool expertise and had also helped develop new skills for people with a disability.

"He has done extremely well and has raised the quality of the wool they produce," he said.

"I can't believe that a person after 25 years of outstanding service to this community can be dismissed in this way."

The Carey family, formerly of Jallumba, wrote to the Mail-Times to voice their commiseration for Mr Walter's dismissal.

"He has shown his experience and expertise in buying the sheep and feed to give The Wool Factory such an outstanding name in the wool industry," they said.

• Letter, see page 20.