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SmartShelters is part of CW Group Limited, the longest-established fabric clad shelter company in New Zealand. Over our 100 years of history in the industry, we have developed and strengthened our reputation for providing class-leading and innovative fabric weather protection solutions in the market.
Explore SmartShelters rich history all the way back from 1915 where it all started to where it's going now.
We are the longest-established fabric clad shelter manufacturing company in New Zealand.
Founded in New Zealand in 1915 under the name Cairns & Woodward, the company manufactured a variety of products including tents, sails, car canopies, home awnings, horse and cow covers, and hiking bags.
Significant contracts involved supplying military canvas products throughout World War I.
Over our 100 years of history in the industry we have developed and strengthened our reputation for providing world-leading and innovative fabric weather protection solutions in the market. Always with the purpose and passion to keep you safe, dry and protected.
Starting in Hobson Street in Auckland Central, and surviving a devastating fire in Feb 1931 that destroyed four buildings including the Cairns & Woodward building, the business had to relocate temporary to Albert Street while rebuilding. With dedication and hard work, reopening was possible on the same premises in Hobson Street with improved facilities later that same year.
In 1968 the company was purchased by Leslie Cottle, with his son Eric Cottle continuing on with a focus on general fabric goods and event marquee hire, trading as Cairnwood Hire Services.
The business direction started to shift to fabric structures and the first dome-shaped shelter was developed around 1995, trading as Simple Shelters.
The revolutionary idea of attaching a fabric clad structure to containers was developed with Jon Cottle at the helm.
In 2017 Simple Shelters was rebranded to SmartShelters and moved into a modern manufacturing facility in Wiri, Auckland.
We have a fully equipped factory where we have one of the biggest steel bending machines.
The architectural structure fabric we use have the most advanced fabric technology in the world.
And we have the in-house capability to custom design and manufacture under one roof.
Today SmartShelters is in its fourth generation of management by the Cottle family, who continue to build on our reputation for excellent service, clever innovation and a high-quality product range.
We regularly export products around the world, including to The Americas, Papua New Guinea, and the wider Pacific
We are constantly innovating to ensure we bring the best possible product and service to the market.
Protect what matters with New Zealand-made shelters built on 100 years of trusted expertise. Contact us today!
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