“The first step is to transform”

MEDIA RELEASE - 14th December 2006

“The first step is to transform”

On the 14th of December industry organisation, Textiles New Zealand, launched the Transform new product development program. Transform has been created to help the New Zealand textiles industry develop new technology led products for the world market.

The centrepiece of Transform is a four stage product development process which will strengthen the connection between technology and research providers and New Zealand textiles companies.

Transform is part of an ambitious plan by Textiles New Zealand to transform the local textiles industry into a stronger export earner with sustainable growth and $1 billion in export earnings by 2010.

Sean McElroy, CEO of Textiles New Zealand states that “This is a vital project for the New Zealand textiles industry. It will provide a product development process for individual companies to work with research and technology partners and the financial assistance to create innovative export oriented products."

The Ministry of Economic Development (MED) has provided the funding for Transform which will be jointly administered by Textiles New Zealand and the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST).

Textiles New Zealand is requesting registrations of interest from companies across the textiles industry by 15th January 2007. The ideas should be innovative, with an emphasis on products that are still in the research and development phase which are likely to have a point of difference in the market.

A registration form can be downloaded from www.transform.org.nz

The New Zealand textiles industry is made up of four contributing sectors: textiles, carpet, footwear and apparel. Industry Association, Textiles New Zealand works with companies to build a sustainable industry successfully competing in the international marketplace.

ENDS

© Scoop Media