Crailar’s CEO resigns after more technical hitches
17/11/2014
Ken Barker has led the Canadian company since 2006, and will continue as a consultant while a replacement is found.
With backing from Adidas and Ikea, the company’s fibre has presented advantages including needing little water, but operating costs, labour inefficiencies, equipment downtime and investments have weighed heavily. The group recently appointed a new plant manager and a full-time mechanic to look after its 40 year-old Belgian facility, and installed a maintenance regime to avoid further disruptions.
The group reported sales of $1.2 million for the third quarter but a net loss of $1.5 million. This compares with no sales and a net loss of $5.7 million for the third quarter last year.
During the quarter, the company hired extra staff, upgraded kiers, installed a second dryer, a chemical delivery system and a heat exchanger.
It also co-developed two technologies to bleach and lighten flax fibres. “Bleaching, desired by many customers, increases production time by 50% and conversion costs by over 40%. Both co-developed bleaching technologies when implemented will significantly reduce cycle time, chemicals, water and cost; creating a substantial competitive barrier,” it said.
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