Norsewear confirmed at the weekend the brand has been sold, but the company said its socks will still be made in New Zealand. Apparel Brands is the buyer. It is owned by Aucklander Ben Nathan, former owner of Barkers Men's Clothing. Management bought the six Norsewear stores, including the one at Norsewood.
Redundancies at the Norsewood and Wanganui factories are likely. The company employs 22 people in the Wanganui factory and 27 at Norsewood. The Norsewear factory is the dominant employer in Norsewood.
The company indicated it will communicate with staff early this week. Workers first learned of the proposed sale through media reports on Tuesday. Norsewear released a statement yesterday, but refused to make further comment. An unnamed "company spokesperson" said "intensive work" would continue on the future of the manufacturing plant in Wanganui and the factory in Norsewood. "These are complex negotiations and it is likely to be some time before final decisions are made," the spokesman said. "We appreciate our staff have concerns about the future of their employment. It is still likely there will be some redundancies and Norsewear wishes to assure all staff that they will receive all their entitlements in full."
Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws said his office had been in contact with Norsewear, seeking clarification on the future of the Wanganui plant and those employed there. "This is a small but important business with skilled workers and of real value to the Wanganui economy."
Norsewear has promoted itself as a Kiwi icon. There was speculation this week that some production will be moved to China. Mr Nathan registered a company called Norsewear Brands in July.
