AUTEX CONFIRMS SUCCESSFUL BID FOR JOINT OWNERSHIP OF WARRIORS

By TWL on May 2, 2018 • ( 0 )

Media Release

Major textile and manufacturing business continues historical support of the rugby league community

A longstanding supporter of the Rugby League community, Autex Pty has today confirmed it will be a joint owner of the New Zealand-based NRL team – the Vodafone Warriors – alongside the Carlaw Heritage Trust.

The announcement, which comes after months of speculation around the rugby league club’s commercial future, was made today at a media conference led by Vodafone Warriors CEO – Cameron George, Autex Pty CEO – Mark Robinson, and Carlaw Heritage Trust Chair – Cameron McGregor.

Robinson confirmed the business will own a 33% stake in the Vodafone Warriors, with Carlaw Heritage Trust holding a 67% share of the NRL club.

Autex Pty established a strong business footprint in the manufacturing industry in Australia since it expanded its operations here in the 1990’s. Following the move, the business has grown to become one of the strongest players in the interior acoustics and building insulation market and now has offices based in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane.

On the rugby league club bid, Autex Pty CEO – Mark Robinson, says: “This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Autex. It’s not about ego or owning something, it’s about the people. We’ve always looked after our community and our own backyard. Rugby league and our role in it is just part of that. This is about doing the right thing and doing it properly for the good of the players, the good of the game, and the good of the future of the Vodafone Warriors.”

The successful bid marks a new chapter in the continued support of rugby league in New Zealand and its sporting community by both the business and the Robinson family, who have backed participation and competition in the sport for more than 30 years.

David Robinson, the founder of Autex Group and father of Mark Robinson, had a passion for rugby league and under his leadership, Autex became the first NZ business to sponsor a national sports team, investing $100,000 in the Kiwis back in 1979.

Mark Robinson, continues: “We are committed to fostering home-grown talent and building stronger rugby league sporting communities on New Zealand soil. Investing in the nation’s NRL team is a natural step for Autex and we look forward to supporting and empowering CEO Cameron George as he continues to positively lead the Vodafone Warriors forward through the current season and the seasons ahead.”

Autex Pty is part of the Autex Group which was first established in New Zealand in the 1960’s. In addition to Australia, the business also has sales and distribution across North America, the United Kingdom, and South East Asia.