04/07/2025
SALE OF DESIGN SPUN TO WILD EARTH YARNS
Subject: Supplier Update on Design Spun – Transition to Wild Earth Yarns
As many of you are aware, over the past 18 months we have been actively seeking a buyer for the Design Spun business. Our efforts have been guided by three key objectives:
-Retaining New Zealand's natural fibre processing capability within the country
--Continuing to operate from our Napier site to support our dedicated team
Maintaining a reliable supply of quality yarn to the local market
We’re pleased to advise that the Design Spun mill and dyehouse plant and equipment have now been sold and will be relocated to Wild Earth Yarns, a Christchurch-based yarn spinner owned by Graham and Jacqui McLaughlin. While this means processing will cease at our Napier site, we are proud to have achieved two of our core objectives: preserving New Zealand-based yarn processing and enabling continued local yarn supply.
There may be some initial disruption during the transition, and we appreciate your understanding and support during this period. We believe this relocation represents a strong step forward in ensuring the long-term stability and future of New Zealand yarn production.
It’s business as usual for Design Spun through until 31 August 2025, then production will progressively ramp down from there, with a final vacation date of 30 November 2025.
This transition is taking place at a time when there is growing recognition of the environmental and sustainability strengths of New Zealand wool. We remain optimistic about the future of a revitalised, integrated, and innovative yarn industry here in New Zealand.
We are confident that Wild Earth Yarns, under Graham and Jacqui’s leadership, will continue to build on the legacy of Design Spun.
Skeinz The Yarn Store, is unaffected by the sale and will continue normal trading.
On behalf of Peter, Ian, myself, and the entire Design Spun team, thank you for your ongoing support, partnership, and commitment over the past 40 years. We’ve deeply valued the working relationships we’ve built with you and are sincerely grateful for the role you’ve played in our journey.
We wish you all the best and look forward to seeing New Zealand’s fibre industry continue to thrive.
Warm regards,
For the Design Spun Team
Brendan Jackson
Managing Director
