OUR STORY
A passion for wool
Wool is simply magical stuff. It’s created entirely by nature, yet it far outperforms anything created in a lab. At Wool Technologies, we’re passionate about processing this incredible natural fibre for our clients and their customers.
The Wool Technologies factory was set up in the 1990’s in Christchurch, New Zealand as a joint venture between John Marshall & Co and Aotearoa Wools. The vision was to create a facility that could process New Zealand’s premium wools with total control over quality.
Today, thousands of bales of wools make their way through the factory each year. Here our expert team processes raw, unwashed wool fibres into a wide range of high quality wool products ready for use in an astonishing array of applications, from mattresses to car seats, clothing to sound baffling and much more.
Now wholly owned by John Marshall & Co, Wool Technologies develops, creates and delivers New Zealand wool products to every corner of the globe.
“Today there is a whole new world opening up for wool as a result of new innovations and market opportunities. Together with our clients we are excited to grow wool’s place in the hearts and minds of consumers.”
— Peter Crone, Director John Marshall & Co
WHY WORK WITH US?
We are innovators
When clients come to us with an idea for a product, we take it upon ourselves to engineer a solution that works.
We are wool experts
With three decades of shop floor experience, we know exactly what’s possible with wool—and what isn’t.
We are sticklers for quality
Our processes and products are backed by independent verification and quality standards, all of which we share openly.
Meet the team
At Wool Technologies, our success comes from a hardworking and practical team. Each person brings their own skills and experience and together they keep the factory running smoothly while producing quality wool products.
Richard Beere
General Manager
Richard has been with Wool Technologies since its beginning in 2004. Growing up on a farm and holding both a B.Ag.Sci and a Certificate in Wool, he built a career across wool trading, exporting and marketing before leading the business. Richard was instrumental in setting up our facility in Sheffield Cresent, and brings extensive knowledge of wool processing and wool fibre. Richard is a true wool expert who is always looking for better ways to work with wool and produce quality products for our customers.
Shane Cuff
Factory Supervisor
Shane joined Wool Technologies in 2019 and works as Richard’s second-in-command. Shane thrives on hands-on work and is heavily involved in machinery operation and maintenance. Reliable and hardworking, he takes on extra responsibility and helps keep the factory running smoothly day to day.
Leslie Knowles
Machine Operator
Les has been with the team since 2015 and brings a wealth of experience from the wider agricultural sector. Les is a key presence on the factory floor and often takes responsibility for early morning set-ups, making sure the production line is ready for the day ahead.
Richard Joubert
Machine Operator
Richard has been part of Wool Technologies since 2006, making him one of the longest-standing members of the team. With previous experience at Feltex Carpets, he brings deep knowledge of carding wool fibre and is often the go-to person when challenges arise.
Troy Murphy
Machine Operator
Troy started with Wool Technologies in 2014. Over the years, he has become one of the most dependable and experienced operators on the team. He is particularly skilled with the cross-lapper, nonwoven line and maintaining the needler.
Glen Harrison
Machine Operator
Glen joined in 2019 and often works on the infeed stage of production, ensuring the wool is blended correctly at the start of the line. He brings with him international experience as well as learnings from paint and panel work, contributing his knowledge and can-do attitude to the team.
Nathan Jessett
Machine Operator
Nathan is the newest member of the team, having joined Wool Technologies 2024. With prior experience in machine operation, hospitality and labouring, he is quickly building his skills and knowledge of the production line.