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History
History
Furnware Timeline
The war years, state housing, caravanning, the Muldoon government, Brierley Investments, Tomorrow’s Schools. Everything that has happened in New Zealand has shaped Furnware today...
1935
Joe Rae registers his furniture company in Hastings. Joe employed 12 cabinet makers producing high-quality French-polished furniture.
1944
During the war years the company made furniture and rifle butts for the army.
1951
The company changed its name to Furnware. The company was a major supplier of kitchen joinery for state houses. School furniture and coffins were added to the product range.
1966
The company began manufacturing bike frames and mower handles.
1972
Caravan manufacturing began. Within four years Furnware had a nationwide dealer network and was selling up to 8,000 caravans a year.
1973
The company was acquired by Brierley Investments Ltd
1979
The government introduced a 20% sales tax on caravans. By 1980 sales had dropped by 70%. Meanwhile, the company introduced a new range of polypropylene furniture for secondary schools and upholstered furniture for meeting rooms, bars and restaurants.
1983
The caravan business closed.
1988
BIL sold the company to Fletcher Challenge Limited.
1990
Furnware was purchased by three Fletcher Challenge executives.
Tomorrow’s Schools meant the end of central purchasing by the Education Department. Furnware now had to deal directly with individual schools.
1993
Furnware purchased by Hamish Whyte and his family. Since then, Furnware has focussed on the education market and school furniture and is now expanding internationally.
