Mitchell purchase

SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Industrial fibre business Mitchell has completed negotiations with Taiwan-based textile company Chuwa Wool Industrial, signing a contract for the purchase of two wool-carbonising lines and one loosewool Superwash line. Managing director Peter Mitchell said expects the purchase of all three lines to increase the company's annual turnover by up to $30 million. The company intends to move the two wool carbonising lines from taiwan to China in early to mid 2006. The loosewool Superwash line will also be moved next year to the company's base in South Australia.

:George hits Melbourne
MELBOURNE: Sydney designer George Spyrou, the name behind renowned womenswear label George, has opened an outlet on the Malvern Road fashion retail strip in the upmarket Melbourne suburb of Hawksburn. The store will showcase the entire George range including daywear, event wear and George Evening. Most items are available in sizes 6 to 16.

SYDNEY: The Australian Industry Group has won a major contract with the Federal Government to provide free occupational health and safety (OHS) advice and assistance to small businesses across Australia. The Small Business OHS Advisers Program will involve more than 20 Ai Group advisors in metropolitan, regional and rural locations in all states and territories. To register visit: smallbusinessohs.com.au or call 1300 554 764.

:Not dumped
MELBOURNE: Public relations firm The Arc Factory wishes to make it known the agency resigned the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival account. It was not "ditched" by LMFF as suggested in Ragtrader.