CELEBRATING 90 YEARS

Walton Plumbing has stood the test of time. Managing Director Martin de Gouw shares some insights into business longevity.

AUTHOR: JE T’AIME HAYR

The 1929 NYC stock market crash kicked off the Great Depression of the 1930s; a time of increased unemployment, protests, and New Zealand’s first soup kitchens.

Not one to be put off by challenges, in 1931, Edward Walton opened the doors to his plumbing business, Walton Plumbing in Gloucester Sreet, Christchurch. Now located on Wrights Road, Walton Plumbing celebrated its 90th Birthday on 2 March, 2023.

So, what does it take to keep a business thriving for all these years? A strong vision and leadership are key, as well as diversifying and being ready to embrace change.

“The company’s initial service focus was plumbing and drainage solutions,” explains Managing Director Martin de Gouw. “Over time, servicing and repairing hot water systems became an integral part of the business. By the 1980s, Walton’s covered all aspects of commercial and residential plumbing and added drainlaying in the 2000s.

“Walton Plumbing now offers an extensive array of plumbing services—from residential repairs to commercial contracts, hightech fault finding to drain cleaning and more.”

Martin says Walton has earned client loyalty over many generations, with an honest service approach, fair pricing and always standing by their workmanship. “Walton Plumbing has a very strong brand and many generations of families have continued to choose us as their plumbing provider,” he says.

Credibility is important to the business too. As a member of Master Plumbers, Walton Plumbing stays up to date with the latest regulations. In addition to their plumbing and drainlaying services, they are also able to provide essential electrical backup services, and the business is IQP registered to offer backflow installation, testing and repairs.

“These memberships and registrations, together with our long history and extensive expertise, means we come highly recommended,” says Martin.

Although times have changed, the company maintains oldfashioned values in customer service. “Our goal is to be approachable and transparent, with expert advice,” says Martin. Walton Plumbing also has a 24/7 emergency service, which team members alternate to cover. “A small leak today can become a huge problem tomorrow, so it’s crucial to resolve issues quickly,” he adds.

Walton Plumbing takes a progressive approach to business. “We continually invest in new technology and training, including introducing green technology, and a greater focus on the environment,” says Martin. “This has brought many new regulations and highly efficient systems.

Currently comprising a team of 25, Walton Plumbing was one of the first Christchurch plumbing businesses to take on a woman apprentice, Louise Stella, 30 years ago.

“Our goal is to attract new staff with our apprenticeship training and supportive culture,” says Martin. “In five years, we want to double the team. With more staff we can again tackle larger numbers of shop and hospitality fitouts, as well as grow our commercial servicing offer.”

No doubt, this is a business that can look forward to marking its centenary and many more years in business to come.