Chainmakers (NZ) - Waiwhakaiho

Chainmakers (NZ) Ltd. (originally known as Metal Processing) was formed in 1962 by the directors of John Avery Wholesale Ltd. Their aim was to manufacture hardware products and tools for the wholesale division of the company. This continued through the 1960's and 70's, and a large domestic market, and exports to Australia and the Pacific Islands grew.

In 1979, the ownership of the company changed, with John Armstrong and Ormond Greensill buying the company from John Avery directors. They immediately bought out the chain making division of Atlas Industries, and this was added to the product range.

In 1982, the Lawnboy Sprayer was added to the product range. This worked on a peristaltic pump. 10 and 20 litre models were introduced, and these were an instant success for spraying the prickle weed prevalent in lawns. The Lawnboy Sprayer still sells in huge numbers today and is complemented by a range of selective weed sprays and liquid fertilizers.
In 1989, Michael Greensill bought out John Armstrong's' share of the business. Pre-packaged chain and dog chain were added to the range, and the name changed to Chainmakers (NZ) Ltd.
The 1990's were a time of much change. The move to bigger premises in 1993 allowed us to expand our product range.

In 1997, we purchased a further chain making plant from Vitari in Italy. This enabled us to manufacture cable link, welded link, and decorative chains up to 4mm. The following year we developed the Hunter Bird Scarer. This was a LPG powered, electronically controlled device, which sounded just like a shot gun. This initial scarer was well received because of its increased coverage and multi-choice of programmes. The Hunter Bird Scarer now sells in large numbers throughout Australia and New Zealand, to growers of a variety of crops and to airports. Lately, we have introduced electronic models that operate in both audible and ultrasound ranges.

The new century saw sales and exports grow rapidly. In 2004, Chainmakers added the Parasene range of garden and horticultural products. The Parasene Weed Wand was the first product introduced with an initial promotion featuring television and direct mail advertising. This saw the Weed Wand get off to a flying start.

With a greater range of products, more space was needed and, in 2007, Chainmakers moved to a larger, purpose built building. That doubled the amount of floor space, and it has dual access off two roads. This enables easier inflow of raw materials and outflow of finished products.
Future plans are to increase product development and introduce new and innovative products, particularly to the garden and horticultural markets.