Skellerup: New Zealand's Iconic Rubber Manufacturing Leader
From the rural heartlands of New Zealand to global industrial markets, Skellerup has established itself as a powerhouse in rubber manufacturing. Founded over a century ago, the company has evolved from a single retail shop into an international enterprise known for durability, innovation, and a deep connection to the agricultural community.
The History and Evolution of Skellerup
The company's journey began in 1910 when George Skellerup opened his first retail store in Christchurch. Originally operating as the Para Rubber Company, the business focused on providing essential rubber goods to the local community. Over the decades, it expanded its reach and capabilities, eventually growing into a global operation that employs more than 800 people across New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and China.
Beyond its commercial success, Skellerup is woven into the cultural fabric of New Zealand. The brand is most famous for its gumboots—waterproof rubber boots essential for farming—and holds the trademark for "Jandals," the colloquial New Zealand term for flip-flops.
The company's commitment to the farming community was further cemented in 1969 when it became the founding sponsor of the Young Farmer of the Year competition, a partnership that spanned 29 years.
Diverse Product Portfolio
While gumboots and jandals are the most visible consumer products, Skellerup operates extensively in specialized industrial and agricultural sectors. Its offerings are divided into several key categories:
Agricultural and Dairy Solutions
Skellerup provides critical components for the dairy industry, including milk liners (the rubber sleeves used in milking machines to extract milk from cows) and various livestock health management products designed to improve animal welfare and production efficiency.
Industrial Rubber Products
The company also manufactures a wide array of industrial solutions. These products are engineered to assist with hydraulics, fluid management, waterproofing, and the operation of water pumps, ensuring reliability in demanding environments.
Corporate Profile and Market Position
Skellerup is a public company traded on the New Zealand Stock Exchange under the ticker NZX: SKL. As of December 2015, it was a constituent of the NZX 50 Index, representing one of the top 50 companies listed on the exchange, with a market capitalization exceeding NZD$240 million.
To maintain its competitive edge and drive profit growth through 2016 and 2017, the company made significant investments in a new Dairy Rubberware factory located in Christchurch, enhancing its production capacity for specialized agricultural components.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1910 by George Skellerup in Christchurch, New Zealand.
- Global Presence: Operations in New Zealand, Australia, UK, USA, and China.
- Workforce: Over 800 employees worldwide.
- Iconic Trademarks: Holds the trademark for "Jandals."
- Market Status: Traded as NZX: SKL; formerly part of the NZX 50 Index.
- Market Cap: Over NZD$240 million (as of December 2015).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing (Rubber) |
| Headquarters | Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Key Markets | Agriculture, Dairy, Industrial |
| Stock Ticker | NZX: SKL |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Skellerup and when?
The company was founded by George Skellerup in 1910, originally starting as the Para Rubber Company with a retail shop in Christchurch.
What are the primary products manufactured by Skellerup?
Skellerup produces gumboots, jandals, dairy industry components like milk liners, livestock health products, and industrial rubberware for hydraulics and waterproofing.
In which countries does Skellerup operate?
The company employs staff and maintains operations in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and China.
What is the significance of "Jandals" to the company?
"Jandals" is the common New Zealand term for flip-flops, and it is a registered trademark of Skellerup.
How has Skellerup supported the farming community?
Skellerup was the founding sponsor of the Young Farmer of the Year competition in 1969, supporting the initiative for 29 years.