Kōrero: Manufacturing – an overview

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.