Company History

Bloch & Behrens was established in Denmark in 1856, supplying wool to the many textile mills that existed in Scandinavia in those days. The company continued to grow, and soon started importing wool from Australia, New Zealand and South America.

Gradually, the company expanded, opening Sales Offices throughout Europe, and eventually opening their own procurement offices in Australia and New Zealand.

Bloch & Behrens New Zealand was established in 1949.

In 1956 the Bloch & Behrens Group was taken over by East Asiatic Company (EAC). During the following four decades, the company continued to grow. It was involved in trading of Greasy and Scoured wool world wide, as well as Wool Combing.

During the 1990’s trading conditions became increasingly difficult, and EAC made the strategic decision to scale down it’s involvement in the Wool Trade, to focus on other Core Businesses. With that decision, EAC started closing their least successful Bloch & Behrens offices.

EAC remains involved in Wool Combing through their involvement in a Joint Venture Combing Mill in India.

In New Zealand, Bloch & Behrens had a wide client base and an excellent reputation. Recognizing the potential for future growth, the Woodham family along with Palle Petersen took over all assets and contractual obligations of from EAC, and formed Bloch & Behrens Wool (NZ) Ltd. in May 2000.

Becoming part of the Woodham Group in May 2000, and we are now able to source wool for our customers not only through the auction system, but also direct from farmers via Woodham’s Woolstore, as well as Wool Growers in the North Island via a select group of suppliers.

In July 2008, as part of the PGG Wrightson Wool business, Bloch & Behrens Wool (NZ) Ltd became a subsidiary of Wool Partners International Ltd.

Whilst our website is being updated, please visit our new Web Site at: http://www.woolpartners.co.nz