New wool supply chain has already begun processing Australian wool.
August 30, 2013
The Australian wool industry got a much-needed boost with the announcement that Compass Wool Processors (CWP) has opened a new early-stage processing plant in Malaysia.
“Our first wool bales have already arrived from Australia and we plan to have regular commercial production by the fourth quarter of 2013,” CWP Business Manager Stefan Bernerius says, adding the plant aims to be an integral part of the supply chain by late 2014.
Bernerius wants to give customers options for processing their wool and believes offering integrity, quality, and service at a competitive price will do that.
CWP wants to build a high-quality wool processing plant attractive to the world’s top makers and spinners.
He says it makes sense to set the plant up in Malaysia. “It’s a central hub for both the origin countries and the consumer countries; there is a stable government, energy and costs; no VAT, duty, customs, or quarantine issues; and Malaysia’s warm and humid climate is perfect for wool processing.”
Bernerius, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the wool industry, values the importance of connecting and engaging with Australian wool producers at a grassroots level.
“We have been travelling to Australia every three to four months to see potential customers and partners. We would like to show we are not only processors in Asia, but working with and helping the entire supply chain at all levels, helping it develop and grow.”
The Woolmark Company General Manager Product Development and Commercialisation Jimmy Jackson recently visited the plant and is happy to see investment in new factories that can clean and comb Australian wool.
“An investment like Compass bodes well for the future of the Australian wool growing industry and cements faith in the efforts of wool growers across Australia,” Jackson says.