Interview Mr Michael Dwyer -Managing Director, New Zealand Wool Services International Limited (WSI)
New Zealand Wool Services International Limited (WSI) has an established reputation as a processor and supplier of the best scoured wool in the world. Supplying to customers in approximately 30 countries, the company has offices in India, China and the United Kingdom, as well as long-established associates working on its behalf all over the world.
WSI owns 85 per cent of the share capital of Kaputone Wool Scour (1994) Limited and 65 per cent of Whakatu Wool Scour Limited- the commission wool scourers. The company also owns 100 per cent of the share capital of an overseas subsidiary incorporated in the United Kingdom, New Zealand Wool Services International (UK) Limited, acting as agent for WSI.
Born in Limerick, Eire in 1941, Mr Michael Dwyer is the Managing Director of WSI. On completion of his education, Mr Dwyer moved to New Zealand and began his career in the Wool Industry in early 1960. In 1962, he attended Massey University studying various aspects of wool and gained a Diploma of Wool in 1964.
There onwards for 30 years, Mr Dwyer expanded his knowledge, expertise and reputation working with Mair and Company in Christchurch. His achievements in this span include his serial promotions being appointed as Deputy Chief of Wool Stream in 1975, MD in 1976, Associate Director, full time Director in 1980. During this period, he was also instrumental in arranging the biggest deal with Iran – over 4,500 tons of scoured wool in 1982. In 1989, he arranged in partnership with the ANZ Banking Group the largest single deal with the former Soviet Union for US $50 million.
Mair and Company merged with New Zealand Co-op Wool Marketing Association in 1988 to form a new company – Mairwool Co-op Ltd. Whilst there, Mr Dwyer rationalised down from involvement in six to three scours, acquired Awatoto Wool Scour and rationalised the NZCWMA direct grower buying organisation.
In 1992, Mr Dwyer set up WSI on behalf of the NZ Wool Board and within a year company had achieved 5% market share, and since then the Company is set on the path of continuous growth and international recognition.
Out of his thorough knowledge of the industry worldwide and the vast experience of all facets of wool business: classing to building and running the largest wool exporting company in New Zealand, Mr Michael Dwyer shares his valued opinions on latest movements in global Wool industry, exclusively for the Face2Face readers.
fibre2fashion:
Commencing the conversation, we would request you to share more about how your company came to being and what share does it enjoys in Australian Wool market? Any memorable episodes you may like to share with our million over global visitors?
Mr Michael Dwyer
New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd (WSI) was formed in 1992, initially on behalf of the New Zealand Wool Growers. Today WSI is a publicly listed company, however still has a very large wool grower shareholding base.
WSI is the largest Wool Exporter in New Zealand owning two of the most advanced wool scours in existence. We account for 30 percent of all wool exported and 40 percent of the carpet type wools exported.
WSI is particularly active in the carpet wool sector, which accounts for approximately 85 percent of the type of wool grown in New Zealand.
The small amount of Merino and Mid Micron wool grown here are of a very high standard and easily compete with comparable wools from Australia. These wools account for 15% of our production and are considered a niche fibre within our market place attracting very strong international attention as well as relatively high prices.
fibre2fashion:
Can we have a closer look on Australian wool industry through your valuable outlook?
Mr Michael Dwyer
In recent times the carpet wool types produced in New Zealand have struggled to make sufficient returns for the Wool Growers. A sustained period of low wool prices, high production costs for Growers as well as low meat prices have impacted significantly on our local industry. This has made many wool farmers turn to other options, such as Dairy, Deer, Beef and Cropping at the expense of our national sheep flock, which is anticipated to reduce from 39 million sheep to 35 million over the next 3 years.
If the current pressures continue to exert themselves, we anticipate this trend will continue resulting in a major reduction in wool production from New Zealand and stimulate some local participants to exit the industry.
WSI, however has invested in the future of the New Zealand wool industry by building innovative scouring plants, developing a wide client base and establishing close contacts with Wool Growers. We have launched a branded Supply Contract under the PURELANA brand aimed at giving surety of supply to our clients as well as sustainable returns to growers.
fibre2fashion:
How about wool industry’s global market size? What is going on therein in terms of current trends and market movements?
Mr Michael Dwyer
The global wool supply is also shrinking, as is reflected in the 2 percent share it now holds of all textiles world wide. This is down from around 4 percent just 10 years ago. The world sheep numbers have been reduced due to drought, disease and a lot of animals have been consumed as a food source and are not being replaced, especially in countries that have faced food shortages due to economics or conflict.
This rapid decline in sheep is now creating a supply/demand imbalance. Apparel wools have recovered significantly over the past season and look set to continue to be well sought after. Prices for carpet type wools, especially in New Zealand, are also starting to feel the benefits. In the past six months the value of New Zealand crossbreds has increased 23 percent over and above any currency adjusted advantages. However, though this is creating a price recovery, values are still well below sustainable levels.
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