NZ wool overseas

Press, 26 April 1979, Page 13

NZ wool overseas

The Yorkshire woollen fabric manufacturer and long-time user of New Zealand wool, C and J. Hirst and Sons, of Huddersfield, is using more

wool today than at any time since the 19505. Last year consumption reached an estimated 900,000 kg — about 50 per cent more than in any recent year. Hirst s greatly increased uptake of wool in the past year comes as something of a surprise to the British textile industry. Last year the total amount of wool used in woven apparel fabrics in Britain dropped slightly. The company has been a traditional wool user since ft was founded 100 years ago, and specialises in making 100 per cent pure

new wool plain weave donegals and Shetlandtype fabrics. It also uses synthetic fibres in blends with wool for a variety of fabrics. About one-third of its production is exported — mainly to Europe, the United Slates, Canada and Australia. Historically, more than 50 per cent of Hirst’s raw material purchases have been New Zealand grown wool. There has been a steady increase in the company’s wool usage since the mid ’7os, according to managing director, Mr David Dyson. But last year, with wool prices at what he termed “very reasonable levels” and with wool apparently gaining in popularity for both men’s and women’s overcoats

and jackets, consumption rose dramatically. Hirst and Sons own three spinning mills and two weaving plants. For several months the spinning division has been working overtime and the looms have been operating 24 hours a day. “In terms of demand we expect the next six months to be satisfactory,” said Mr Dyson. “We expect our wool consumption to continue at present levels unless the prices go too high or oil prices trigger off another widespread recession.

“But we’ll always use big quantities of wool because basically that’s what we’re geared up to do best.”