Campbell Bros Limited in Hastings is now employing its fourth generation of Campbells having been first established in 1921 by brothers Callum & Jock Campbell.
After Callum's retirement in 1958, his son Max took over the reigns, followed by his son's Graeme and Callum. Subsequently, in 1998, Graeme's son Callum began working for the family business.
Originally located in Karamu Road north, Campbell Bros later moved into a new purpose built brick building on the corner of Karamu and Ellison roads. Unfortunately that building stood for just six weeks before being destroyed by the 1931 Hawkes Bay earthquake ( click here ) .
The premises were rebuilt on the same site, where the company remained until 1974. The business can be found today next door at 203 Ellison road.
In the early days, Campbell Bros produced coachwork of high quality, but as the demand for coachwork dwindled it moved into light general engineering work.
The company made a name for itself constructing caravans and horse floats. It also produced a gate latch for the farming community which is still very popular today. The gate latch is sold mainly through farm supply outlets.
The company has benefited from the extensive involvement of the Campbell family over the years.
These days Campbell Bros specialises in towbars, the first of which were manufactured in the early 1950's. By the early 1970's the company began mass producing their towbars.
Not only does the company serve the local community, it also sells towbars to customers throughout the North Island.
In addition, Campbell Bros fabricate bins for the tanning industry, make and fit steel bullbars, nudge bars, pipe and ladder racks on commercial vehicles, and recently produced a bracket for the garage wall to which your bike rack can be fixed, after removal from your vehicle, and your bike hung up out of the way.
The success of Campbell Bros. can be attributed to it's competitiveness, quality product and it's ability to