Fred who then lived in Rawhiti Street, Stokes Valley, noticed the two sections for sale in George Street (which only went as far as the factories at that time and ended up in a turn-around). They purchased the land and bought a primitive machine which became the basis of their whole industry.

A breakthrough came when Coronet Displays needed advertising dispensers for local cigarette maker WD and HO Wills. From there on it was 80 hours a week for a few years – the garage, the back bedroom, the hall, the dining room and even the carport – they were all used for storage and assembling products before moving to the current site. The first invoice of ₤58 “1”6 is still on display in the company’s reception.

The company moved to 20 George Street, Stokes Valley in 1962. The present building has been added to several times over the years with the last extension built in the late 80’s. While not ideal, the business currently occupies 3 buildings in George Street and would ideally love to move to one larger purpose built plant to cope with planned growth.

Over the years Calvert Plastics has manufactured millions of plastic items using processes such as injection moulding, rotational moulding, compression forming as well as the fabricating and thermoforming of sheet plastic.

Calvert Plastics are proud to have achieved many firsts during the 50 years in business. The first to implement computerised accounts in the Hutt Valley and the first to have company Diners Club cards. They believe they were the first company in New Zealand to develop air slip forming and plug assist for vacuum forming, also the first to mould A.C.S, C.A.B and polycarbonate sheet.

Murray Calvert retired in 1994 with the ownership of the company in the hands of Bruce Webster. Murray’s retirement was celebrated on site and his involvement with local projects such as the Stokes Valley Marae, as well as campaigning for a pool complex for the valley, were recognised by the then Mayor, Glen Evans.

From the ₤4230 in 1959, today Calvert Plastics is a multi million dollar business and has a client base of over 300. From 44 invoices a year in 1959 they are now processing around 3500. They currently have a very valuable and experienced team of 20 people. The company’s core business is still moulding and fabricating products from a plastic sheet, manufacturing items such as riot shields, pallets, cutlery inserts and trays, play pools/sandpits. A large part of the business is making components specifically for clients including medical and hospital product mouldings, retail display stands and electrical components.

Current owners, Bruce Webster and John Matthews see the future of manufacturing in New Zealand as focusing on developing unique products for specialised markets and customers. Products recently introduced to the market include plastic and cardboard (Flute) pallets. The company has developed a new pallet design focused around the export sector. It is extremely light weight, strong and costs less than the traditional wooden pallet. A new 3D interior design product used on walls and ceilings to reduce noise and look amazing has also been created. Innovative design is a key factor in the company’s future and they are now working their way towards their 75th birthday in 2034.