NSW: Sacked textile workers may have chance of new jobs

AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2000
NSW: Sacked textile workers may have chance of new jobs

SYDNEY, Feb 14 AAP - Sacked Hunter Valley textile workers may have the chance at new
jobs after a Rutherford textile company was awarded a lucrative Olympic contract today.

Wax Converters Textiles was today awarded the contract to supply banners and decorative
flags for the Sydney Olympics.

Managing director Jim Kelman said the company only employed 26 workers in Rutherford,
but the Olympic contract would allow it to employ at least another 20 workers over the
next two years.

National Textiles in Rutherford folded in January leaving 342 people jobless.

Mr Kelman said the contract would create some new jobs for the people of Rutherford.

"The company will produce thousands of banner and flags for display at the event stadiums,
city streets, airports, hotels, ferry terminals, stations and official Olympic venues,"

Mr Kelman said.

Wax Converters Textiles is Australia's largest manufacturer of oilskin fabric, with
Driza-Bone among its biggest clients.

AAP nd/sb/arb

KEYWORD: SACKED OLYMPICS

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.