LAUNCESTON'S Waverley Woollen Mills has entered into a strategic alliance with The Merino Company, of Melbourne, in a move that will help secure the blanket maker's future.Announcing the alliance yesterday Waverley Australia chairman Ken Davey said TMC provided natural fibre, textile and apparel products for leading retailers and consumer brands.He said the TMC alliance was designed to expand international sale opportunities and strengthen wool supply agreements with Tasmanian growers.Waverley was restructured earlier this year following the loss of its contract to make knee rungs for Qantas and indicated it would look overseas for new markets.``This is one of those opportunities and one we are very excited about,'' he said.``The strategic alliance will open up new international markets for Waverley through TMC's global sales and marketing team located throughout Europe, Japan and the US.``In addition, we expect to see improvements in product and manufacturing quality as a consequence of TMC's textile, industry, market knowledge and contacts.''Mr Davey said the mills 45 employees were advised of the alliance yesterday.The mill retrenched 14 workers in July and the company told The Examiner that was seeking a $1-$2 million grant from the Federal Government to help establish overseas markets and $500,000 to develop a tourist attraction.