Change is in the air for Andrew Hawley Limited. The long-running family business, which has been importing and distributing housewares, tableware, glass and China in New Zealand since 1947, has been sold to another Wellington-based housewares wholesaler, Kerr Cowan Ltd. The new company formed by the merger will be known as Kerr Cowan & Andrew Hawley, under the trading name of Kerr Cowan Ltd. Kerr Cowan have been around since 1936.
The gradual retirement of managing director Tim Hawley, Andrew’s son, was cited as the main reason for the decision to sell, and the choice fell on Kerry Cowan Ltd because of their similar visions, values and complimentary ranges.
“The sales team remain much the same and the Andrew Hawley Auckland showroom at New North Road will continue for both ranges,” Hawley said. “It is not goodbye from me either, as I will be working in the new company for some time in my new role as sales and marketing director.”
The combined company handle leading brands such as Salter Scales, Taylors Eye Witness, Rockingham, RCR Crystal, Stolzle German Glass, Aynsley China, Queens China, Charterhouse, Carl Schmidt, Pezetti, Ghidini, Jab Design, and Churchill Prices Candles.
Timothy Hawley, who in past years also pursued a career as professional opera singer in Europe and Australasia, welcomed the change as a necessary choice. “On a personal note, this has not been without some emotion. I hope that in the future one of my grandchildren may enter the industry and carry on the family tradition in the tableware business, with which the family has been involved for almost 300 years,” Hawley said.
