New Zealand – WoolWorks Awatoto Reopening – 22 April 2024

WoolWorks operates the only two scouring facilities in New Zealand. Following the devastation causes by floods in 2023 the reopening of the North Island Awatoto facility was attended by almost 200 industry leaders from New Zealand and internationally.

WoolWorks’ wool scouring operation in Napier was forced to shut down temporarily in mid February 2023 due to extensive flooding. A significant amount of scoured and greasy wool at this site was contaminated by floodwaters, and subsequently disposed. Fortunately, the backup site (Clive) was unaffected and was able to operate at full capacity. 

More than 60% of equipment at the Awatoto plant in Napier had to be replaced and as some of it is unique in its design it needed to be bespoke built. WoolWorks has the world’s largest wool processing facility and processes over 80% of the NZ strong wool clip. 57% Woolworks volume is processed at the North Island sites and 43% of Woolworks volume is processed at the Washdyke South Island site in Timaru.

Nigel Hales CEO welcomed attendees at the reopening including many from New Zealand,  Australia, China, and Japan. The Honourable Mark Patterson, Member of Parliament, Nancy Lu, Member of Parliament, Katie Nimon, Member of Parliament for Napier and Catherine Wedd, Member of Parliament for Tuki Tuki were present and Madam Yang, Head of China Team of the China & New Zealand Joint Working Group spoke on the theme of New Zealand Wool.

An early morning unveiling and Maori welcome was held, and a formal opening ceremony as well as factory tours preceded an evening reception at the Napier War Memorial Function Centre. A Key Note address was given byLarry Keeley, Keeley Innovations LLC with the theme of: How the New Zealand Food and Fibre sector can lead the way with modern supply chain technology from the farm to the end manufacturer.

Photo Caption: Nigel Hales