Discover the Legacy of Innovation and Quality at CPL Group
It all started in a shed.
A new generation of Stewarts emerged with the arrival of a shed in 1972, determined to make a positive impact on the world. In the midst of winter that year, Kaiwaka Saddlery was founded as a one-man operation, specializing in saddles, horse equipment, and feed.
Throughout the 1970s, Kaiwaka Saddlery quickly became the favored destination for horse enthusiasts in the Kaipara region, eager to acquire the latest equipment and supplies to ensure the health and happiness of their beloved equine companions.
In 2015, HUSHTEC was established, offering a revolutionary range of noise mitigation products that enabled compliance with strict noise regulations. Thanks to the ingenuity of its Kiwi creators, HUSHTEC quickly gained a loyal following throughout New Zealand.
Today, horse lovers from all over the country continue to flock to Kaiwaka Saddlery to discover the latest innovations in horse gear.
In 1990, the Saddlery was bustling with business, but there was a sense that they could do even more. With all manufacturing conducted in-house, the team began exploring the potential of soft plastics and other materials that could be produced using the same equipment.
By the year 2000, James Stewart had introduced PVC and canvas material products to the range, which were soon being produced in large quantities. From custom boat covers in Mangawhai to industrial tank covers bound for Fiji, the range expanded rapidly.
However, the growth proved too much for the existing building to handle, prompting a move to a new, purpose-built factory in 2003. This new facility provided a staggering 10 times the amount of space, allowing for even greater manufacturing capabilities.
In 2010, James' three sons had all graduated from school and were eager to take on the world. As a result, the Saddlery side of the business was sold off, and the company was renamed Canvas Plus Limited, with a renewed focus on PVC and canvas manufacturing.
The year 2015 saw the birth of HUSHTEC®, a new range of noise mitigation products that were crafted thanks to Kiwi ingenuity and a request for a noise-compliant solution. This innovative product range has since helped countless projects to meet strict noise level regulations.
In 2020, CPL Group Limited (formerly known as Canvas Plus Limited) was selling HUSHTEC® products alone to over 200 countries, including acoustic enclosures in Japan and custom acoustic shrouds for mines in Chile. The company then acquired KIWITARPS®, New Zealand's largest retractable tarp supplier, which prompted the name change to CPL Group Limited.
The company's focus shifted towards PVC and canvas tarpaulin-type products and services, with a massive directional shift towards the aviation, construction, and demolition sectors.
The business continued to expand, with five locations in New Zealand and distributors globally. In 2021, the company founded SEA GUARDIAN™, a smart pollution prevention system invented in a rural Kiwi town. In just twelve months, SEA GUARDIAN™ grew internationally, attracting distributorship partners worldwide and installations from Dubai to Dublin.