Story: Manufacturing – an overview

Clothing company workroom

Clothing company workroom

The New Zealand Clothing Factory began work in 1873 in Dunedin. It was owned by Bendix Hallenstein, who set up a chain of discount clothing stores and the Drapery Importing Company (DIC) to sell the clothing produced in his factory. After initial difficulties, Hallenstein’s clothing factory flourished. By 1900 it was employing 350 workers and producing 2,400 garments a week on 80 sewing machines. This undated photograph shows the factory’s workroom.

Using this item

Hocken Library, University of Otago
Reference: S07-269k

Permission of the Hocken Library Uare Taoka o Hakena, University of Otago, must be obtained before any re-use of this image. Further information may be obtained from the Library through its website.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Ian Hunter, 'Manufacturing – an overview - Manufacturing boom, 1880s and 1890s', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/25112/clothing-company-workroom (accessed 7 May 2024)

Story by Ian Hunter, published 11 Mar 2010