NZ Yarn Appoints New CEO
Colin McKenzie has been appointed as the new CEO for Christchurch based NZ Yarn Ltd, effective Monday, 4 July.
NZ Yarn manufactures and markets high quality wool spun yarns for the carpet industry worldwide.
McKenzie was most recently CEO and Managing Director of Cavalier Corporation. He has extensive experience in the textile
and manufacturing sectors, and for companies servicing local and export markets.
NZ Yarn is 100% New Zealand owned by Carrfields Primary Wool and several independent investors, who bought it from
receivers in 2014. Executive Chair, Ross Callon, has been running the business until this point. Callon was initially
engaged for a six month term as Executive Chairman to develop the business strategy, organisational structure, policies
and procedures of NZ Yarn which was incorporated to purchase the assets and business of Christchurch Yarns NZ, which was
in receivership.
Despite challenging industry conditions, the business now has its highest level of forward orders for several years, has
developed a plan to consolidate and upgrade the mill, and recently commenced staff recruitment to enable increased sales
and production levels. Carrfields Primary Wool, the major shareholder, has recently committed to increasing shareholder
funding to enable the company to implement a number of growth initiatives as part of the next stage of the business
plan.
With the successful appointment of Colin McKenzie as Chief Executive, Ross is now able to dedicate time to his other
business interests.
Colin is a highly experienced executive, and has extensive connections within the international textile community and
has been actively involved leading business development in North Asia, North America, UK and Western Europe markets.
“Colin’s appointment is a key milestone. He has the skills and expertise to deliver our business objectives, we are
confident that the future of high-end yarn is positive, and I look forward to working with him,” Callon said.
He said that further work is planned to realign the factory.
“This investment is based on new business that we’re winning, which indicates that demand for high quality yarn is
strong.”
McKenzie will also act as a consultant for Carrfields Primary Wool.
ENDS