Our Team

The Color Factory Team

Left to right: Ashwin Kumar (General assistant), Victor Desouza (Manager), Helen Grace Cruz (Colour matcher), Dilpreet Singh (Dyer), Christine Leong (Customer service)

Victor Jude Desouza

Manager

M.Sc. [Technology], University of Mumbai
Textile Chemistry Specialisation
NZQA Level 9

During his time in the industry, Victor has worked around the globe on several well-known brands including Calvin Klein, Wrangler, Debenhams and Quiksilver.

Fourteen years experience in Laundry Management and Production operations in garment wet processing technology.
Hands-on experience in specialty washing of denim garments, dyeing and specialty finishing of cotton garments.
Well versed with textile testing methods and quality systems implementation in garment wet processing, especially denims.
Knowledge of analysis and application evaluation of textile chemicals.

Dilpreet Singh

Dyer

National Diploma in textile Dyeing and Finishing (Advanced Dyeing Technology)
NZQA Level 5

Dilpreet brings with him a history of working with various textures and fabrics and understands the intricacies of dyeing these different products.

Vast knowledge of shade matching and development of new shades.
Thorough understanding of fibres and fibre mixing technology.
Experience working with wool, nylon, cotton and polyester fabrics.

Helen Cruz

Colour matcher

B.S.C. [Chemistry]
Far Eastern University, Manila, Philippines

With her multi-disciplined skill set and a solid track record of industry work, Helen is an integral part of the Color Factory team.

Great experience in colour matching technologies and processes.
Varied skill set - Helen has worked as a dyeing chemist, production chemist and colour matcher.
Thorough understanding of dye mixing and creation.
Helen has an amazing 32 years experience in dyehouse laboratories.

Christine Leong

Customer Service

Her enthusiasm for her work is extraordinary. Whatever the task - looking after her customers, making sure the orders are completed on time, making deliveries, pressing etc Christine will always complete the task efficiently.

Originally a seamstress and supervisor she is now a part owner of the Color Factory.

Ashwin Kumar

Dryer Operator and QC

From being a tailor in Fiji to running the dryers at the Color Factory is a pretty radical change.

Those who are familiar with dyeing will understand the importance of the drying after dyeing.
Ashwin really enjoys the role and helps with the dyeing when required.

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A brief history

The Color Factory is a purpose-built dyehouse; its floor actually runs at an angle so the excess water and dyestuff can run off. The original construction is attributed to a councillor named Rickards.

Rod Bradman of Textile Dyers purchased the building and business in 1968; a large part of his business was dyeing knickers, and it was a common sight to see him rushing outside (much to the amusement of the locals) holding up a pair of knickers to see if he had the colour right!

In 1982, Bradman sold the business to Donaghys who used a large continuous dyeing machine to dye braided products such as seat belts and webbings.

Rob Sinkonson then came on the scene and was offered a lease on the equipment. In 1994, Peter Lawrence joined him as a partner; they dyed large quantities of knit products such as tee shirts, sweatshirts, and the famous trackpants for Barker Menswear.

Peter later did a deal with Rob so he could focus on his braid business. Peter is still next door and trades as Braidmakers, producing a range of braids and specialising in the sailing industry.

In 2005, Rob decided he’d had enough and sold New Lynn Dyers to Charlie Carter-Johnson of Streetwise Apparel.

Streetwise wanted to continue the dyeing which was very convenient and cost effective; this was first managed by William Hutson, and is now managed by Victor Desouza who brings his dyeing experience gained in plants around the world.

The plant today has added a range of garment dyeing machines — with capacities ranging from 5 kilograms to 60 kilograms — that can meet a wide range of dyeing needs including current items such as household goods like curtains and lounge covers.

Color Factory