Tuesday, 29 July 2025 09:55

Bremworth launches $6M expansion of cyclone-damaged Napier plant

Written by  Staff Reporters
Bremworth chief executive Craig Woolford. Bremworth chief executive Craig Woolford.

Listed carpet manufacturer, Bremworth is undertaking a $6 million expansion at its Napier plant more than two years after the site was heavily damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle.

The company says the expansion marks a key stage in its return to full domestic production of its woollen yarns and a boost to local employment.

Bremworth chief executive Craig Woolford, says the investment is designed to ensure greater efficiency, product and quality control and significant lead time improvements, while avoiding excess capacity.

He says they plan to operate three shifts 24 hours a day, every weekday and will hire up to 40 new staff to accommodate expected demand.

"As a result of the cyclone, most of our Hawke's Bay facility was taken offline.

"To maintain carpet production, we introduced a hybrid yarn supply model which saw increased quantity of our yarns processed externally, including offshore. Rather than just reinstating everything, we've taken the opportunity to rebuild smarter - in the process, allowing us to ramp up yarn capacity as demand grows," says Woolford.

More like this

Cyclone Gabrielle lessons from Young Grower of the Year

If there was a silver lining in the tragedy that was Cyclone Gabrielle, for New Zealand Young Grower of the Year, Grace Fulford, it was the tremendous sense of community and seeing first-hand what good leadership looks like.

Featured

Ah Tatua, You've Done It Again!

Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.

India FTA Unites NZ First, Greens

National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.

2026-27 Fishing Season Opens Across New Zealand

New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.

CODC Rejects Plan to Spread Sludge on Lauder Farmland

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter