FROM FIELD TO FASHION - McDonald Textiles New Ownership
The luxury possum merino knitwear manufacturer McDonald Textiles has been purchased by the Ensor family, a fourth generation farming family from Marlborough. The business in the hands of the Ensor’s from the 7th of June 2017 is headed by Emma Ensor, supported by Ben Ensor. Emma, who has made the move back from Sydney to step into the position of General Manager has held senior positions across Sales and Marketing within the FMCG field. Ben with a background in Banking and Finance has been managing the family’s 100ha vineyard over the past 10 years.
The Ensor’s family property “Tyntesfield” is located in the Waihopai Valley, Blenheim. The 2,800ha property is a diverse mix of high hill country, rolling hills and flat river bed paddocks, producing meat, wool and wine. Each element of the property provides different land uses that make the property unique. The high hill country is perfect for Merino who thrive on the harder, steep hill country, Corriedale sheep and cattle graze on the rolling hills with the vineyard located on the stony river flats running alongside the Omaka river which boarders the property. The Ensor family have been growing wool for 150 years and are extremely passionate about it. They see an integral link here with the McDonald brand as they enter the business and move it forward.
“Our family has a focus on continuous growth, and with this we have been looking to diversify the business and have been exploring opportunities for some time. It was important to not only find a business in great shape but one that was a good fit for us and our background.” Said Ben.
“2017 marks 60 years for the family on Tyntesfield, so we feel it is wonderful and fitting that we can celebrate this milestone with the purchase of McDonald – a brand that places significant focus and passion behind the quality of the product and the service it provides. This rings true to our family values where a great deal of satisfaction comes from seeing trucks go out our farm gate and down the road filled with the best quality produce, be that lamb, beef, wool or grapes.” Said Emma.
Watch out for the McDonald 2017-2018 collection coming soon. This season is McDonald Textiles’ most exciting yet, with an enhanced range of styles and colours.
Please address all inquiries to kate@mcdonaldtextiles.co.nz +64 9 2500033
