The future of clothing company Norsewear hangs in the balance, its owners saying they will decide this week whether to sell and sources saying the deal is already done and production may move to China.
The farming and ski wear clothing company celebrated its 40th birthday this year and has stressed in the past that it is a "Kiwi-made" company. Norsewear exports clothing and many apparel companies, including Swanndri and Wellington-based Icebreaker, have already moved manufacturing overseas because of a high Kiwi dollar.
Norsewear director and managing director of Burleigh Evatt, the company's majority shareholder, Ian Fitzgerald said a final decision would be made this week but declined to comment further. Sources said the company had been sold and plants in Wanganui and near Dannevirke might be closed and manufacturing moved to China.
Each factory employs about 30 staff.
A National Distribution Union official said it was told an announcement was due tomorrow.
The former owner of Barkers Men's Clothing, Ben Nathan, is understood to be the buyer. Mr Nathan set up a company called Norsewear Brands in mid-July.
