F B Hall & Co Ltd was established in 1923 by Frederick Benjamin Hall, Jack A. Wainscott, and Frances L. Lound. The company’s first official meeting took place on 1st September 1923, where it was agreed that each director would receive a weekly wage of seven pounds. Operations began in rented premises on Alexandra Street, Hamilton, serving the local area and the Waikato region, with a focus on the dairy industry – notably manufacturing large dairy cylinders.
At the time, plumbing required expertise very different from today. Water pipes were installed using galvanised metal with lead connectors, and soil pipes were crafted from lead or cast iron. Drainage relied on glazed earthenware joined with cement, with excavation done by teams of labourers. Transport was basic, involving bicycles, hand carts, and occasionally a Model T Ford truck.
Fred and Beatrice Hall were immigrants from England. Fred brought with him engineering and plumbing skills that aligned with the needs of New Zealand’s growing dairy industry. Jack Wainscott, the company’s foreman, specialised in sheet metal work and soldering, producing cream cans for the Matangi Dairy Factory’s Glaxo plant.
By 1927, the company experienced difficulties, likely due to the economic downturn that preceded the Great Depression, but managed to persevere. The mid-1930s saw new equipment added to the business, including a lathe, soldering irons, and ladders. In 1937, the directors decided to introduce two weeks of annual leave, their first official holidays since starting the business.
By 1939, F B Hall had returned to profitability, acquiring several assets, including a Ford car, a Ford truck, and a bicycle. Around this time, the company relocated to larger premises on Alexandra Street, complete with a showroom displaying solid fuel fires, bathroom fixtures, and tapware. The workshop was powered by a high-level drive shaft connected to an electric motor, which operated lathes, drills, and other machinery.
During World War II, the company thrived, likely due to increased demand for agricultural products supporting the war effort. In 1954, Jack Wainscott and Beatrice “Burty” Hall retired, selling their shares to Hanwell Seymore, Eric Douglas, and Burt Asplin, the company’s first apprentice.
Following Fred Hall’s passing in 1956, Beatrice Hall continued running the business until selling her share to the remaining directors around 1959. Eric Douglas took over as manager and, together with Hanwell Seymore, implemented systems to improve productivity—some of which remain in use today.
In the 1960s and 70s, new shareholders and leaders, including Garry Woodcock, Paul Ravlich, and Ken Douglas, took the company forward. The business moved to Pembroke Street in 1965 and operated there for 30 years until relocating to its current site on Greenwood Street in 1998.
Over the years, F B Hall has been involved in significant projects across the region. From early works at Waikato Hospital and the University of Waikato in the 1920s to high-rise buildings in the 1960s, and dairy factories in the 70s and 80s, the company has played a key role in shaping Hamilton. Recent projects include The Base Shopping Centre, Waikeria Prison, Tetra Pak, and Union Square.
Today, F B Hall & Co Ltd continues to be owned by employees within the business. Managed by Joe Calkin, the current shareholders include Joe Calkin, Mike Wilson, Bruce Wallace, Jason McLaren, Glen Mackintosh, Matt Hart, and James Nixon. The company employs 46 staff, including 12 apprentices at various stages of their training, ensuring the next generation of tradespeople continues the legacy of F B Hall & Co Ltd.
