Asian potential for yarn

Press, 10 February 1989, Page 16

Asian potential for yarn

Carpet trends in Asia show signs of providing increasingly good prospects for New Zealand carpet yarns. Mr Bill Murray, marketing manager of Christchurch Carpet Yams, Ltd, the wool manufacturing subsidiary of Mair Astley Holdings, Ltd said a recent visit to Japan and South East Asia indicated potential for increased export of New Zealand made carpet yarns. "Most textile manufacturers in South East Asia are making oriental rugs

for the Middle East and American markets. In those markets, oriental rugs are the fastest growing carpet segment,” he said. Mr Murray, who has just been elected President of the Society of Dyers and Colourists of Australia and New Zealand, said it was important for New Zealand businessmen to understand the way of business in Asia. “It takes time and many visits to develop a presence in that market

out long term, the rewards are well worth it,” said Mr Murray. Accompanied to Japan by a W.R.O.N.Z. representative, Dr Campbell Page, he said there was an opportunity to trial Chemset yarn using beck and continuous dyeing methods. Mr Murray said the five largest textile firms in Japan put, out sample books every two years which showed carpet and textile selections in different styles, colour and patterns.

“We are currently looking ahead to the next set of sample books due out in 1990 and believe we stand a good chance of having some of our product included. “The potential for New Zealand to further develop the Japanese market for carpet yarns is very good. The Japanese are well aware of New Zealand wool and woolbased products, but I believe there are more opportunities for us to develop this vast market,” he said.