Hutchwilco is a prominent New Zealand company with a rich history that dates back to the early 1890s. Initially, it was founded as a manufacturer of canvas goods, but over time, it evolved into a leading producer of marine safety equipment, particularly lifejackets, a product they are best known for today. We take a trip down memory lane and have a look at an overview of Hutchwilco's history:
Founding and Early Years
1894: Hutchwilco was initially established in Wellington, New Zealand, under Hutcheson Wilson & Co Ltd. At the time, the company specialised in manufacturing canvas goods, which were essential in various industries, including agriculture, shipping, and the burgeoning outdoor recreational sector.
1940s-1950s: As the company grew, it became known simply as Hutchwilco, and its focus shifted more towards marine products. New Zealand’s strong maritime culture provided a solid foundation for this shift, and the company soon started manufacturing and importing marine safety equipment.
Evolution into Marine Safety Products
1960s-1970s: With New Zealanders becoming more involved in boating and water activities, Hutchwilco became an essential name in marine safety. It began designing and producing lifejackets, eventually becoming its signature product. The company gained a reputation for its commitment to quality and safety, becoming one of the few trusted manufacturers in the marine safety industry.
1980s: Hutchwilco’s lifejackets and other marine products began to dominate the market in New Zealand and beyond. The company worked closely with international safety standards organisations to ensure its products met the highest safety benchmarks, further solidifying its position as a field leader.
Diversification and Continued Growth
The 1990s-2000s: Hutchwilco expanded its product range beyond lifejackets and included other marine safety products like flares, lifebuoys, safety harnesses and a selection of water sports items, including wakeboards, skis, tubes and associated water sports equipment. They became known for their innovation, blending new materials and technologies to enhance safety and comfort for marine users. The company also played a pivotal role in promoting water safety education in New Zealand.
Present Day
Today, Hutchwilco remains a household name in New Zealand for lifejackets and other marine safety and recreational watersports equipment. It is still headquartered in Auckland and remains committed to producing high-quality, New Zealand- made products. The company also remains a key player in promoting water safety, sponsoring events like the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, and supporting key water safety organisations, Coastguard NZ and Surf Life Saving NZ. In addition to Hutchwilco’s recreational products, today, they have expanded into life rafts, lifeboat sales and service and all manner of commercial and offshore marine safety equipment.
Hutchwilco has expanded and diversified over the last 15 years, adding another 4 businesses under its umbrella with Actron Fire Services, Denray Marine, Wilco Marine Services and Hutchwilco Southern Service Centre, allowing greater sales and service in all manners of marine and land safety equipment. With 4 service centres strategically placed throughout New Zealand in both the north and south islands, Hutchwilco are able to provide essential sales and service for boats, ships and vessels of all sizes.
Throughout its long history, Hutchwilco has been a trusted and undoubtedly the most respected name in New Zealand’s marine safety industry, known for its focus on quality, safety, and innovation.
