The purchase, officially sealed on 4 February, follows the announcement of Mokum’s sale after its New Zealand business went into voluntary administration. Mokum, which operates in New Zealand, Australia and the US, largely attributed its financial woes to exposure to the US downturn.

In terms of what Mokum would bring to the James Dunlop business, James Dunlop Textiles director Ben Moir named the brand’s people, skills and marketing platform, along with “a passion for quality delivery of market driven, innovative design.”

Meanwhile James Dunlop Textiles would offer Mokum the full support of its inventory, sales teams, and process innovation, with a strong focus on sustainability, he said, adding Mokum’s staff and showrooms had been maintained in the changeover.

“Long-term initiatives will help grow the brand, but the real driver will be doing the basic supply chain processes very well. This industry is really quite simple, provided it is kept simple and with respect for all those involved in the journey from the cotton plant to the consumer’s home.”

For the full story on Mokum's new ownership, see the July 2011 edition of Window Furnishings Australia magazine.