KEY POINTS:
The future of iconic New Zealand clothing company Norsewear hangs in the balance.
The owners of the company are mulling a sale, while other unnamed sources are saying the deal is done and production will move to China, a Wellington newspaper reported today.
The farming and outdoor wear clothing company, which stresses its products are "Kiwi-made", celebrated its 40th birthday this year.
If it moves production offshore, it will join a growing list of manufacturing exporters that have recently moved their factories overseas, including apparel companies Swanndri and Icebreaker.
Ian Fitzgerald, director of Norsewear and managing director of the company's main shareholder Burleigh Evatt, told the paper the final decision would be made this week but declined to comment further.
The company has factories in Wanganui and near Dannevirke with around 30 staff in each.
A National Distribution Union official said it was told an announcement was due tomorrow.
The former owner of Barkers Men's Clothing, Ben Nathan, is understood to be the buyer. Mr Nathan set up a company called Norsewear Brands in mid-July.
- NZPA
