In the 1960s, with industrial growth well established, the government grew increasingly interested in promoting the export of manufactured goods. Quality became an important issue. Industrial-design courses were set up, followed in 1968 by the government-funded Industrial Design Council and the New Zealand Designmark Awards. Manufacturers could apply to the council to use the designmark. By 1972 it was used on furniture, heavy machinery, machinery components, medical and home appliances, building equipment and materials, farm equipment, household goods and consumables, and toys.