Swanndri Factory (Waitara)

This factory building at 45 Domett Street, Waitara, was for many years emblazoned with the words "The home of Swanndri".

It is thought businessman John McKendrick opened the factory in 1944, under the name, 'Mac's Clothing Factory'. In 1952 McKendrick purchased the Swanndri business established in 1913 by William Broome. At the height of production the factory here, and one in Opunake, employed nearly 100 workers.

The business was sold in 1991 to Alliance Textiles, and while the iconic Swanndri clothing continued to be produced at Waitara for a few years, eventually it was decided to concentrate production in Timaru.

In 1996 the factory was bought by the Hawera based, Taranaki Clothing Company. The factory was renamed, Jaymark Manufacturing, after the late John McKendrick. At the time it was hoped to create three new jobs as well as retaining the existing workforce of 17.

The building was altered and painted in 2013. Present use unknown.

Documents

Legendary 'Swanny' 57 years and still going strong, Taranaki, Our Province, Our Heritage, December 1987

Jobs saved in factory takeover, Taranaki Daily News 6 April 1996

Reclaiming Taranaki fashion, Taranaki Daily News 1 April 2002

New era for our 'Swanny', Taranaki Daily News 1 July 2004

Swannies with style, Taranaki Daily News 5 September 2006

From the archives, Taranaki Daily News 21 December 2013