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The Lane Walker Rudkin factory in Christchurch - Source: ONE News -
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Politicians, businesspeople, the National Distribution Union (NDU) and receivers met on Wednesday to discuss the future of textile manufacturer Lane Walker Rudkin (LWR) Industries Ltd.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, who hosted the meeting, said the situation was very serious, but there was a lot of goodwill between the parties to find a way forward.
LWR was placed in receivership last week, and it may be weeks before its hundreds of workers know if they still have a job.
The LWR operations were unprofitable and the company had incurred a substantial increase in bank debt, said receivers Brian Mayo-Smith and Stephen Tubbs, partners in BDO Spicers.
On Wednesday, Parker said there was deep and genuine concern for the workers affected .
"All avenues are being explored by the receivers and the union to find a satisfactory outcome for all parties.
"Any further comment should come from the receivers and I expect them to make a statement in the next few days," Parker said.
Ken Anderson of Christchurch bought LWR in 2001 and subsidiary Pod in 2007.
Pod comprises fabric maker Designer Textiles International, clothing designer and manufacturer Michele Ann, and Mollers Homewares, all in Auckland.
The receivers said last week that Pod and its subsidiaries were under their control but were not in receivership.
LWR employs about 470 people at textile, hosiery, underwear and garment factories in Christchurch; garment manufacturers in Greytown and Pahiatua; a sock factory in Timaru; and a sports apparel factory in Brisbane.
