Business Rural Winter 2021

| 47 jerseys’ to sought-after clothing range MEAT & WOOL » True Fleece outdoor businesses who might have a whole team of arborists. They’re all looking to improve their environmental footprint so they want to put their staff into natural clothing,” says Carl. Carl sees “True Fleece” in the States as still finding their own small niche in what is a massive market. We’ve got to be known for something so we’re trying to hone in on who we are.” Things were made a little easier by the ap- proach two years ago of a couple of business partners from New Hampshire - Mark Swasey and Brian Pickering - who wanted to start bringing merino products into the US. “We ticked their boxes for what they wanted, being ethically sourced, locally made, with natural qualities and a low carbon footprint so all those things that are becoming more and more impor- tant,” says Carl. “They’re our boots on the ground and we’re now in some retail outlets over there as well.” Despite about a quarter of their business now coming from the States, Carl believes they’re still just scratching the surface. If the US sales take off they’ll look to manufacture over there for that market, meanwhile, despite the massive increase in volume of garments they’re now sell- ing, everything is still designed and manufactured in Christchurch by ‘140 Clothing’. Private orders are sent direct whether to New Zealand or the States and they have a distribution centre in New Hampshire to manage orders that come through that channel. Closer to home the Urens are enjoying an ever-increasing demand from athletes for a New Zealand-made merino product, a need they’re happy to meet. “We’re starting to link into some of the outdoor events like trail-running or endurance running events where there might be compulsory gear they need to compete in like the “Ring of Fire” around Mount Ruapehu.” “That’s the latest thing we’re getting into” says Carl. “We’re starting to link into some of the outdoor events like trail-running or endurance running events where there might be compulsory gear they need to compete in like the “Ring of Fire” around Mount Ruapehu.” It seems the “True Fleece” story has a way to go yet, both here and abroad. True Fleece garments are made from New Zealand merino wool, guaranteed and traceable back from garment to farm. Transport (2006) Ltd BANKS PENINSULA SPECIALISTS IN ECI S Ask the people who know the peninsula Proud to support True Fleece Call Rex now on 03 3251 024 Mobile 027 473 0172 Freephone 0800 662 344 • Livestock Cartage • Hiab & Bulk Freight • Ready-mix Structural Concrete • Fertiliser Delivery • Shingle Supply & Delivery (All Grades)  0275 083 789  unearthag.com  Shop Online at our store or contact us for more information  Suppliers of Needham Ag John Deere JD750A Air-Seeder Parts and Modifications