E Hayes and Sons Ltd has a long and proud history.

Hayes Engineering Ltd was established in the Central Otago township of Oturehua in 1900.

Originally starting business in the township of Oturehua in Central Otago in the late 1800’s, E Hayes and Sons Ltd has continued to have a presence in Southland for over 100 years.

The name Hayes is synonymous with farming and engineering with many of the Hayes original inventions found on farms throughout New Zealand to this present day.

The man who started it all was Ernest Hayes who developed numerous new products using his pioneering engineering skills. One of his most significant inventions was the development of the Hayes permanent fence strainer in 1905 and this product is still manufactured today and would be used on nearly every farm in New Zealand.

Irving Hayes one of the sons of Ernest Hayes opened the Invercargill branch of E Hayes and Sons in Leven Street in 1934 located in premises leased from the Railways Department. The original rent was 28/6 ($2.85) per week.

Grandson of Irving Hayes and current General Manager Neville Hayes started with the company in 1972, following in the footsteps of his father Norman Hayes who was with the company for over 60 years. Like his father Neville started “on the bike” and initially drove the delivery van. He is the fourth generation of the family to be involved in the business. Neville’s son Jarn and daughter Clelia continue this proud history being the fifth generation of the family to work in the family business.

The initial part of the present Dee Street, Invercargill premises was built in 1956 and with the acquisition of the adjoining building the shop now fills an entire city block from front to rear. The tool wall is in excess of 100 metres long with an enormous array of tools.

The company currently employs 50 people, many having a long association with the company. E Hayes and Sons also has a strong affiliation with the Hammer Hardware and Tradezone Industrial groups that allows it to service both the specialist industrial market and the home user markets.

E Hayes and Sons is committed to what could now be considered old fashioned values of good quality as well as exceptional service and advice. All E Hayes and Sons staff look forward to being of service to the people and industry’s of Southland for years to come.

This windmill, built in 1909-10, formed the powerhouse for the original E Hayes Engineering firm. Built on an 18-metre tower the sails were 6.5 metres in diameter. The power was taken to the machines in the plant by an ingenious system of overhead shafts, belts and pulleys. Pictured on the Windmill are Gilbert & Irving Hayes

E Hayes and Sons Ltd's first motor vehicle, a 1910 Buick and is still owned by the company today. The company bought the car, second hand, in 1914 for use at its Windmill Works and was used to transport products from the factory to the railway station, about two miles away. Irving Hayes is pictured in the drivers seat.