20th Anniversary of CRONZ
September marks an exciting time for us as we celebrate the company anniversary. However, this year was even more special as we celebrated 20 years in business!
We have taken a look back over our journey to this point and sat down with the CRONZ owners/directors, John and Helen Wyma, to talk over their achievements, favourite rug projects, and future plans. We pulled together this interview and some old & new photos, which we hope you will enjoy!
Q & A with the CRONZ owners
When you started CRONZ 20 years ago, did you think you’d be here 20 years later?
John: We had no idea we would still be here 20 years later. Our previous businesses had typically been around 10 years before we moved on to the next thing. However, this business has required more time to realise its potential.
Helen: No, I did not expect to be here 20 years on. Previously John had been 7-10 years in one career. We have stuck at it with CRONZ as there are always improvements to the manufacturing to be made and we have constantly been looking for the next innovative & unique product.
The first large-scale CRONZ factory on Durham St, Christchurch, 2004-2011.
If you could go back in time, what is one thing you wish you knew before you started the business (or what advice you would give yourself 20 years ago)?
John: Just because you have run a successful business before, doesn’t guarantee it will go smoothly next time around. This has taken more time to establish that we had imagined, so the journey has required persistence and perseverance.
Helen: Make sure you know your market.
Helen at the Detroit Drive factory, Rolleston - CRONZ resided here 2012-2015.
From your perspective, what do you think are CRONZ’s biggest accomplishments over the years?
John: Establishing a business from nothing that is a market leader today in the textile industry.
Helen: Becoming a New Zealand leader of designer custom rugs and carpets and manufacturing bespoke rugs and carpets for top designers in New Zealand and Australia.
Helen & John on the newly built Machine #4; 2013.
What are some of the biggest lessons you have learnt in your 20-year career as the CRONZ’s company director?
John: 1. Not to take anything for granted. Even when it seems everything should go smoothly, it does not always.
2. Attention to detail in manufacturing is paramount.
3. Good staff and a happy work environment make for good outcomes with product and delivery times.
Helen: Know the true ‘cost to market’ and the true ‘cost to manufacture’.
How has the rug/carpet industry evolved during the last 20 years, in your opinion?
John: The process in making rugs & carpet is still the same in principle. The addition of computer technology has given much more ability to cater for the bespoke market. We can create a wider variety of product from the same machines, with better speed and accuracy. Design trends are always changing and we now have the ability to change with them.
Helen: Rugs have become more of a statement piece in the room as previosuly they were placed for more practical reasons. They are now instrumental in the interiors scheme and frequently seen as ‘art on the floor’. We have also seen more custom coloured carpets on room by room basis.
John and Helen in the CRONZ factory, 2020.
What is the favourite part of your job? How does your job inspire you?
John: The favourite part has always been the development of the machinery. There is a high degree of satisfaction in seeing what has been designed on computer become reality on the tufting rack. Inspiration comes from seeing happy customers with amazing spaces that have been (at least in part) created through the business we have built.
Helen: Seeing the rug completed and ready for delivery, especially when it is a custom design and we have worked with our clients to select the coveted colours for the design and space. I am inspired by the work of so many talented interior designers, specifiers and artists that we work with.
John in the current CRONZ factory at Jones Road, Rolleston; 2021.
Share something personal about yourself. Who is John/Helen outside the office, and what does he/she like to do for fun?
John: Outside of work, family is key for me. Our 4 amazing children and their offspring are central to our lives. I also still love nothing better than being practically creative. My bus to motorhome project is a great outlet for this and will no doubt be for many more hours. Walking and biking along with some quiet time fishing are my favourite leisure activities.
Helen: I am a family girl who loves spending time with my family, 4 adult children and our grandchildren. The colours, forms and textures of flowers and foliage we find in our gardens inspire me to create floral bouquets and arrangements for gifts and for our home.
If you had to pick one, what would be your favourite CRONZ rug to date?
John: Probably the rug for Terrace Floors with an aboriginal design that we did earlier this year. It was a large and spectacular rug that showcased all our technical and practical abilities to the max.
Helen: We have made so many stunning rugs it is hard to pick out one. One of my favourites is the tartan runner inspired by my family tartan, Royal Stewart, because it is personal for me. We had fun matching the colours to replicate it. It is in my hallway where I plan to create a family photo gallery wall. It is made in 100% NZ wool which I love.
Custom rug for Terrace Floors + Furnishings with an aboriginal design, John’s favourite rug to date.
What’s next for CRONZ?
John: We hope to develop our export market to include more work in Australia and perhaps explore opportunities in Europe and USA. There is lots of room for further development of the machinery and the new styles of rugs resulting from that.
Helen: We are looking to release new rug finishes and colours to be a leader in the ever changing interior trends.
John and Helen Wyma in the current CRONZ factory; 2023.
Thank you to all of our past and present customers, designers, specifiers, architects and staff who have contributed to us reaching this key milestone. :)