| 21 Ritex International REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT We help business owners take control. Get back time. And make money. www.bdo.co.nz BDO Marlborough Tasman Limited 106 Collingwood Street, Nelson | 58 Arthur Street, Blenheim Ph: 03 546 9871 | 03 579 3093 Insurance that fits you. With 65+ years’ combined experience, we work with major insurers and specialist underwriting agencies to find the right product at the right price. Fire & General Insurance Brokers, including: • Business insurance • Domestic insurance • Vehicle insurance • Liability cover (04) 527 3740 | www.iib.co.nz Textile firm notches up 40 years The Nelson-based textile importer and distributor works across a number of industries, including hospitality, horticulture, agriculture, aquaculture, and industrial sectors. T T Rosa Watson “Digital ordering and global supply chains have made it easier to buy directly from overseas manufacturers these days, but it’s also easier to get it wrong — wrong specs, quality issues, or delayed deliveries.” The team at Ritex International are celebrating a milestone 40 years of supplying practical, fit-for-purpose textile solutions to businesses across New Zealand and Australia. The Nelson-based textile importer and distributor works across a number of industries, including hospitality, horticulture, agriculture, aquaculture, and industrial sectors. Its broad product range covers everything from hotel linen and towels through to crop protection netting, woolpacks, Mussock Saffron yarn, bulk bags, and specialist fabrics. The company was founded in 1986 by Peter Rutherford, following a management buyout of Wrightson Textiles. From the beginning, the focus was on supplying practical, well-priced textiles into industries key to New Zealand’s future — agriculture, horticulture, and tourism. “We looked at where New Zealand was heading and backed those industries early,” Peter says. He remains closely involved today, with Brendan Hodgson stepping into the general manager role in 2023. The small, tight-knit team of nine is backed by an established international supply network. In the early days, the business operated as a commission agent, importing products directly for customers and taking a margin on supply. As the business grew, that model shifted, and Ritex moved into a role as procurement partner for customers and wholesale supply. This meant expanding the product range and taking more ownership of sourcing and distribution. Woolpacks were an early cornerstone product, and remain a key part of the business today, alongside products for the carpet industry, vineyard and horticultural crop protection products, hospitality linen, and packaging solutions for the rural food sector. Following a recent acquisition, the company now imports leading cotton yarn used in the mussel industry. Brendan says the company has seen steady growth over the years, with the supplier network expanded across Asia and Europe, and the company now supports a much wider range of industries. Over the years, there has been a shift in customers wanting more specific, fit-forpurpose products, he says. “They’re not just buying textiles anymore — they need something that will actually work in their environment, whether that’s a vineyard, a commercial laundry, a packhouse, or a farm.” At the same time, the way products are sourced has changed, he adds. “Digital ordering and global supply chains have made it easier to buy directly from overseas manufacturers these days, but it’s also easier to get it wrong — wrong specs, quality issues, or delayed deliveries. “That’s where Ritex has stayed relevant and adds real value. We work with clients to help solve their textile challenges by taking the ownership of the sourcing process through our long-standing supplier relationships, reducing customers’ risk and stress.” Over time, the company has expanded into a wider range of industries, from hospitality and horticulture to, more recently, construction, mussel farming and industrial operations. Reaching 40 years comes down to consistency and building relationships with both suppliers and customers, Brendan says. “Many of our suppliers are long-term partners and friends, and a lot of our clients have been with us for years. That doesn’t happen by accident.” Looking ahead, the focus is on making things easier for customers without losing a personal connection. That includes customer service, holding the right products in stock in warehousing across New Zealand for faster delivery and supply chain resilience, and investing in the team so they remain accessible and knowledgeable for face-to-face support. Brendan says demand is becoming more specific, particularly in horticulture and agriculture, where conditions change rapidly and margins are tight. There is also an increasing demand for sustainable textile options and recently Ritex received silver accreditation with carbon reporting company Instep in 2025 based on its operational outputs for carbon emissions. They achieved this within just three years of measuring carbon emissions. Looking ahead, the team is exploring ways to combine that hands-on approach by investing in smarter digital tools and stockholding strategies so customers can manage their businesses more efficiently.
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