Two major electroplating firms combine under same roof

Press, 12 September 1986, Page 5

Two major electroplating firms combine under same roof

Two Christchurch electroplating firms, Armstrong and Farr, Ltd, and Huston and Butcher, Ltd, have amalgamated into what is possibly the biggest electroplating firm in Christchurch — Accord Electroplating, Ltd, employing a staff of more than 50. Based at 75 Montreal Street, the new firm is located in an industrial area, at the former Huston and Butcher site. The decision to move Armstrong and Farr to the site stemmedfrom the changing nature of the Victoria Street plant, which is no longer in an industrial area, but a commercial one. The buildings there were also badly in need of repair. The present site is hoped to be more accessible for the public also. Under one roof, the

company is much easier and more efficient to run, says the owner-manager and director, Mr Reece Huston. Because the best of plant and equipment from both firms has been brought together Accord Electroplating also boasts some of the most advanced electroplating technology. “It’s really a techno-logy-oriented business, especially in chemicals. So, to compete, you’ve got to keep up with technology,” Mr Huston said. With new technology come new types of chrome such as Duplex Nickle, which has high resistance to weathering and corrosion. This is largely used for automotive, marine parts and outdoor use, preferred to conventional chrome which may look good but

has little resistance to the elements. Armstrong and Farr began in Christchurch in 1880 at Victoria Street. The partnership soon developed into the largest electroplating company in the country attracting clients from all parts of New Zealand. By 1960, the Farrs left the business and the Armstrong family continued trading strongly. As recently as 1984, the company was bought by Huston and Butcher, Ltd, and the two companies traded separately until amalgamation in August this year. Huston and Butcher, Ltd, was formed in 1946 by Mr Les Huston and Mr Bill Butcher at Kilmore

Street as an electroplating and sheetmetal business. By 1958, Mr Huston purchased his partner’s shares while retaining the company name, and moved to premises in Walker Street From there, the company moved to Kingsley Street, where it remained until 1967. That same year, the assets of L. W. Warren, Ltd, an electroplater in Montreal Street were bought and the company moved into the premises it has occupied since. The Montreal Street site has a front entrance at 75 Montreal Street for enquiries and panelbeaters and a rear entrance from Kent Street for industrial customers. The amalgamated com-

pany draws on a pool of expertise enabling it to offer advice and suitability of the wide range of finishes available. A great diversity of articles are processed ranging from screws, nuts, bolts, contacts and jewellery to household appliances, to large industrial components for heavy machinery. Though competitors in some areas, the two companies were largely complementary in most respects. Armstrong and Farr had a large automotive and commercial base such as bumper bars, shop fittings and furniture. Its counterpart, however, dealt with many engineering and industrial clients.