History of Lynn River
From humble beginnings.
Lynn River Ltd today is vastly different to the Lynn River that commenced business in 1969, over 42 years ago Lynn River’s very foundations were started at Peel Forest, South Canterbury, New Zealand.
Brothers John and Mark Acland of Mt Peel Station's first foray into the manufacturing business was distributing the Ritchey flexible cattle tags, a tag Mark Acland claimed at the time as the ” the greatest breakthrough in cattle identification”.
The business was run very basically out of Mount Peel Station with orders being delivered through the local Post Office, very soon the tags were an overnight success in New Zealand. Lynn River continued to supply cattle tags into the late ‘70s about which time the rest of the market caught up
Soon diversification was required and from 1979 the company started manufacturing sheepskin car covers and other sheepskin products including covers for golf clubs, it did not take too long before they branched out into Sheepskin Gloves.
Lynn River’s product range expanded with new items including a builder’s belts, aprons, and a range of specialist gloves.
The Glove Specialists.
Today Lynn River is now recognised as New Zealand’s leading specialist glove supplier offering the largest range of gloves to the New Zealand and Australian Industrial, Meat, Fish, Food Markets as well as rural, gardening and hardware retailers.
Lynn River are extremely proud to be the Australian distributor of the World’s Best gloves, SHOWA® which has been a pioneer in the design of coated knit gloves for Thirty years and that of dipped gloves for half a century. Lynn River Showa gloves are New Zealand’s biggest selling glove range.
Most of Lynn River’s imported gloves are made exclusively for Lynn River using unique designs and specifications. Lynn River has searched the world to find quality gloves that solve their customer’s particular hand protection problems. They can offer gloves originating in Europe, America and Asia. In addition Lynn River is in contact with many of the leading glove makers in the world, making it easy to source most specialist gloves.
Lynn River is a member of the International Glove association (ICA) which means they have access to all the latest technological advances and designs from around the globe providing the New Zealand and Australian market with the most up to date range of gloves available.
Branching out into Safety.
In 2011 the company researched, developed and manufactured their own brand of Safety Protection Gear including Safety Glasses, Ear Muffs, Goggles and Respiratory products. This compact range has been successfully ranged in a number of leading retail companies and other distributors.
There are further expansion plans to develop more innovative safety and protective products.
Home in Geraldine
The Directors have made a lifelong commitment to remain manufacturing and distribution from Geraldine ‘The Glove Capital of New Zealand”. Couriers call over 12 times a day to pick up orders. Delivery to most customers are within 48 hours with only 2 to 4 days to Australia.
‘Being based in Geraldine helps our business stay grounded” says George Harper CEO. “Communications technology means we can operate on the same footing as city-based companies yet still remain our small town ethos of friendliness and good service”.
In 2010 Lynn River opened a new 1000 square metre which brings its total warehousing capacity to hold over 1500 pallets. We stock over 500 different types of gloves and safety protection items for supply.
Lynn River employs over 28 people, with 7 Area Managers spread throughout both Islands of New Zealand.
Behind Lynn River lies the business ethos of developing and sourcing the best possible, latest products, backed by the strongest possible desire to consistently exceed service standards for their customers and end product users.
It’s really the same philosophy a gardener uses: look after what you plant today and it will grow into something great.
With Lynn River…You’re in Safe Hands.