SwanDri is pulling out, following a host of other excellent NZ clothing makers. The following is a quote from the News Service on TelstraClear. I am no automatic fan of the Greens but I agree that globalisation appears bad for us.
“The Timaru company has announced it is pulling out of New Zealand after 134 years and moving manufacturing to China.
Around 14 jobs will go as a result. Greens Co-leader Rod Donald says Swanndri is a New Zealand icon that has survived two world wars and several depressions, but cannot compete against Labour and National’s free trade policies.”
That means there will be another 14 people just like me, also looking for a
job
HA! Best thing I ever heard from Donald.
I hate that Swandri are moving to China, but I don’t like Rod Donald’s comment either because a. it sounds like he is using this event to score political points, and b. he assumes the politicians are running the show.
You are right Matt, every thing that politicians do or say is about points scoring.
However parliament is responsible for the “free trade” problems that are destroying quality local production and even produce.
On National Radio today Rod Oram pointed out that the world wide workforce has doubled in the past decade. Is this not the primary cause of swandri’s problem/solution.
bought a Swandri 15 years ago and was looking to get another. But since I don’t buy Chinese products (when I can help it) looks like I am back on the hunt
There is a very serious range of NZ made hunting/tramping/mountaineering gear called “Swazi”, have a look at http://swazi.co.nz/home.php
Made in Levin, no? That has to be good.
It seems that many N.Z. companies are manufacturing in China to increase the return for their shareholders. I hope this is not the case with Swandri. Dot.