WoolSource is moving from pilot-scale research into commercial production as it prepares to change chief executive at the end of the year.

Tom Hooper, who has led the strong wool company since its 2021 launch, is stepping down and says the programme is ready for its next stage.

“The programme’s in a fantastic place. In five years we’ve moved forward significantly,” he says.

Funding for a new manufacturing facility is split 40% Crown and 60% from parent entity Rons, Hooper says.

“We don’t get to spend $20 million and then not turn the lights on because we haven’t got the right commercial partnerships in place,” he says.

Strong wool prices are recovering after trending to a low.

“Everything’s been built with a view to being able to pay growers more for their wool so that wool once again becomes a profitable use for farmers.”

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch/listen or download the CountryWide CONNECT mobile app, available on Apple iOS and Android.

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