COMPANY HISTORY
 |
The company was first developed in the 1920's by the current owner's grandfather, Albert Vance Stewart, who recognized the potential in scrap metal trading. His son Vance took the business one stage further, becoming a registered limited company during the 1930's and being largely responsible for setting in place the solid foundations of the company. |
Then came the Second World War, providing its share of both challenges and opportunities. During the times of petrol rationing, the around-town scrap pickups were collected using a horse and dray. At the close of the war, Dominion Trading was commissioned to dismantle the gun turrets and battlements throughout New Zealand for their steel content. Rusty old ships, themselves requisitioned for scrap, were filled with the steel and then sailed to Japan where the scrap metal was re-used in the manufacture and re-establishment of Japan's buildings and factories.
Today, this family business, based in Christchurch, is now managed by Vance Stewart (former All Black team player and Canterbury coach). Vance has years of experience within the industry, from having helped out in the yard from childhood to full-time ownership in 1985. Fourth generation Stewarts, brothers Nathan and Ben, handle the day-to-day management of the scrap yard.
In 1997 a branch was opened in Onehunga, Auckland, to both improve our battery recycling service and to implement scrap metal recovery in the largest metropolitan area in New Zealand. In 2004, this branch was closed and the Auckland collection service was re-structured by using contract drivers to continue collecting batteries.
| To further enhance and complement our range of services, the business of N Z Copper Granulating Ltd was acquired in 1998. The company specializes in the recovery of pure copper and aluminium from electrical cable. |
|
In January 2005, large new premises were purchased in Blenheim Road, Christchurch and both businesses have been relocated into the one site. With the larger land area, Dominion Trading is now able to actively purchase steel scrap in much greater volumes.
