Wools of New Zealand Adds Partners

Atlanta, GA, July 6, 2007—The number of Wools of New Zealand Brand partners continues to grow as does the demand for environmentally friendly products. Many companies are turning to New Zealand wool for its design capabilities and natural advantages, including five new partners—Bentley Prince Street, Eclipse, Fabrica, Masland and Woolstreet Designs. With these additions, Wools of New Zealand has 60 partners that supply Branded contract and residential products to the North American market.

• Bentley Prince Street—Defining style, color, quality and service for more than 25 years, Bentley Prince Street manufactures and markets award-winning broadloom and carpet tile products for commercial interiors across the globe.  Bentley Prince Street is committed to sustainable commerce and innovations to integrate style and function with environmental practices through its Mission Zero™ goal of eliminating any negative impact it has on the environment by the year 2020.  With the industry’s most comprehensive vertical carpet manufacturing facility, the company maintains third-party certification to the ISO 9001 Quality Management System and the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System.  

Bentley Prince Street’s first Wools of New Zealand Brand introduction is the Oceanic Collection—a warm, sumptuous series of commercial styles to be launched in August. Oceanic features fives patterns (two solid stripes, two multi-color stripes and one solid) in a stunning offering of 27 colorways.

• Eclipse Wool Carpet—New to the residential market is Eclipse Wool Carpet, a manufacturer headquartered in Calhoun, GA. The company specializes in solid, heathered and multi-colored wool carpets that are tufted in loop and tip-sheared textures.  Eclipse has already launched 11 Wools of New Zealand Brand products with more to be introduced at Surfaces 2008. Included in the ready-to-ship offerings is Dimensions, a handsome striated carpet made from space-dyed, New Zealand wool yarns. www

• Fabrica, a division of The Dixie Group—Fabrica is committed to providing its customers with luxurious residential carpets and custom rugs. Its retailers benefit from the company’s select distribution, which helps them earn proper profit margins.

In keeping with its high-end focus, Fabrica is launching a full line of Wools of New Zealand Brand carpets that satisfy designers’ demand for sustainable, well-styled floor coverings while supporting retailers with higher margins, higher profits and repeat business.

Between August and Surfaces, Fabrica will introduce at least 8 Wools of New Zealand Brand styles with 7 more to come in 2008. Already in distribution is Canberra, a Wools of New Zealand Brand level-loop that is offered in 60 solid colors.

• Masland Carpets & Rugs, a division of The Dixie Group—Masland is a U.S. carpet and rug manufacturer with roots dating back to 1866. The company began as a commissioned wool dyer, but switched its focus to the synthetic manufacture of carpets as the popularity of nylon fibers rose. The affordability of wool (due to synthetic price increases), along with its environmental attributes and design appeal,   has encouraged the reintroduction of wool to Masland’s line.

The launch 8 Wools of New Zealand Brand carpets in face-to-face Wilton and tufted constructions is slated for August. Broad color palettes, pattern-on-pattern weaves, level-loop designs and tip-sheared textures are just some of the refreshing styles Masland is bringing to the residential market.

• Woolstreet Designs—Steve Couch, previously of Steven C Fine Floorcoverings and founder of Expressive Designs, opens the doors of a new company—Woolstreet Designs. With a grand launch scheduled for Surfaces 2008 (space #5921), Woolstreet Designs plans to bring more than a dozen Wools of New Zealand Brand carpets to the residential market in nine color lines of fresh naturals. The Dalton-based manufacturer will offer products in a broad range of price points, all with the soft hand and high luster of semi-worsted New Zealand wool.

“The time is right for wool,” says Wes Connelly, North American area manager for  Wools of New Zealand. “The growing commitment we are seeing from our partners and the increased interest in new partnerships further positions New Zealand wool for substantial growth in the U.S. market—and throughout the world.

“As a company committed to sustainability, we see our partnership with Wools of New Zealand as a natural extension of our initiatives,” states Anthony Minite, president of Bentley Prince Street. “The natural, renewable features of New Zealand wool, combined with its beauty, longevity and durability, are right in line with our Mission Zero™ goal as well as our style and quality standards.”

Kennedy Frierson, president of Masland, also appreciates the advantages wool offers as a sustainable fiber. “Environmentalism is one of three key factors that encouraged us to get back into wool. Our decision was also based on the increased demand for higher-end niche products and the narrowing of the price gap between synthetic and wool. Partnering with Wools of New Zealand was choice that came naturally, because it gives our products the credibility and recognition that comes with carrying the Wools of New Zealand Brand.”

Related Topics:Coverings, The Dixie Group, Masland Carpets & Rugs