History
E Hayes and Sons Ltd has a long and proud history in New Zealand.
The name Hayes is synonymous with farming and engineering through many of the Hayes original inventions found on farms throughout New Zealand to this present day. Ernest Hayes originally started business in the township of Oturehua - formerly named Rough Ridge - in Central Otago* in the late 1800’s developing 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 - a product still manufactured today and widely used on farms throughout New Zealand. Irving Hayes, one of the sons of Ernest Hayes, opened the Invercargill branch of E Hayes and Sons in Leven Street in 1932 located in premises leased from the Railways Department. The original rent was 28/6 ($2.85) per week. The grandson of Irving Hayes is the current Managing Director Neville Hayes who started with the company in 1972, following in the footsteps of his father Norman Hayes who ’steered’ the business for over 60 years. As was tradition, Neville began work “on-the-bike” and initially drove the company delivery van. Generations of the Hayes family have continued to be involved in every level of the business, driving the company forward to meet the challenges of the future while adhering to the company values of ‘Putting People First’. 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’ alone is in excess of 100 metres long with an enormous array of tools. Today the company employs a large team, many with a long and valued association with the company.
E Hayes and Sons also has a strong affiliation with Hammer Hardware and the TradeZone Industrial Group, allowing it to service both the specialist industrial market and the home user markets. E Hayes and Sons company and staff are proudly committed to maintaining a hard-earned reputation of providing good quality, exceptional personal service and advice in order to meet the needs of customers throughout Southland and New Zealand for many years to come.
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* The original Hayes Engineering Works and Homestead at Oturehua, Central Otago are a heritage listed property and open to the public as a visitor attraction. The property gives visitors a unique opportunity to experience a fully operational, well-preserved 1890's Victorian workshop and restored 1920s homestead where Ernest Hayes invented, developed and marketed iconic New Zealand farming products such as wire strainers, cattle stops and pulley blocks - many of which are still widely used today.
Find out more at:
https://www.heritage.org.nz/places/places-to-visit/otago-region/hayes-engineering