Another milestone

Press, 25 August 1976, Page 10

Another milestone

The opening of a new factory, warehouse and office -complex in Christchurch this month is a milestone in Plumbers, Ltd’s, long association with the plumbing and building industries. The history of the company goes back to 1919, when Messrs Arthur Thompson, Frederick Warring and John Brown opened a small warehouse in Wellington. The company grew in stature and reputation and achieved many firsts in the plumbing trade. In 1929, for example it pioneered the individual straw

wrapping and packing of sanitary earthenware being imported from Britain — a move which overcame most of the costly breakages during shipment which importers had experienced. Only the introduction of container shipping in more recent years has brought any change from this concept. Another significant effort was the importation over 40 years ago of a flushing valve from the United States. Local re-design and development followed and further modifications byMr A. W. Johnson in the

1950’s resulted in the now; well known "Belva" valve. ■ With the move to new i premises at Sockburn, im-1 proved warehousing and I merchandising facilities are i also provided for the full i range of products handled; by Plumbers, Ltd, agency division. In recent times they ! have been extending mar-1 keting into the export field i and already worthwhile | overseas sales have been, achieved. The company i looks to substantial export! expansion in the future, I particularly in the Pacific I basin.