The New Zealand Wool Testing Authority Ltd (NZWTA Ltd) has announced that it has entered into an unconditional agreement to purchase the assets and business associated with the Textile Testing Division of AgResearch, effective 20 December 2010.

Duane Knowles, NZWTA Ltd’s Chief Executive, said: “NZWTA Ltd has built a strong business as the leading testing and certification body in the New Zealand wool industry, providing independent testing information to our wide customer base.  The purchase of the specialised AgResearch business continues NZWTA Ltd’s focus on operations where independent testing is a critical part of the value chain.”

“The textile testing operation will operate under the ‘NZWTA’ brand and be integrated with the wool testing business to provide a full range of textile services from the raw material through to the finished product.  With NZWTA’s ownership structure, we are also fortunate to be able to draw on the experience and expertise of AWTA Product Testing who have provided similar testing services for the Australian market for many years” Mr Knowles said.

AgResearch Business Manager Margot Buick said “We are pleased that all clients who currently use AgResearch’s Textile Testing Division will be able to continue to access these services when NZWTA takes over the operation. We realise the value of this service remaining in New Zealand for the Division’s customers.  Clients will continue to receive high standards of service and outcomes.”

Upon completion of the purchase, the business will be relocated to NZWTA’s Napier facility where a new purpose-built laboratory is being prepared.