Humble Beginnings 

Lance Calder and Bruce Stewart started out in 1955 with a Ford Prefect car, a wooden trailer and £25.  The first structure built by what was then called 'Calder and Stewart' was a three bedroom house at Clarksville.  Lance and Bruce continued to build an average of two houses a year for the next three years along with haybarns and dog motels.  The first commercial building undertaken by 'Calder and Stewart' was in 1960 consisting of a repeater station at Hillend for the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department.

After 19 years together tragedy struck when co-founder, Lance Calder, died of a heart attack.  Through respect of his late friend and in response to a request from Lance's mother, Bruce Stewart retained the Calder name within the company title which became Calder Stewart Industries Limited.  Bruce Stewart has now retired but retains a keen interest through his four sons and his visits to sites and the various Calder Stewart Offices.

Although the complexity, size and diversity of the structures now built by Calder Stewart have changed, their commitment to traditional business ethics has not.  The company has always maintained an entrepreneurial outlook supported by innovative thinking and constant dedication to excellent customer service.  Calder Stewart is proud of its family owned and operated culture with Bruce's four sons, Peter, Alan, Andrew and Donald now managing the business.

What started as a two man operation in 1955 has grown into a multi-million dollar business with staff, customers and offices throughout New Zealand.