Westpeak Workwear is celebrating a huge milestone - 30 years of continued success in the workwear industry. What started as the very definition of a micro business, selling uniforms from the back of a truck on the West Coast has grown into a nationwide workwear supplier with a reputation for reliable products. But it’s not been a linear road, and certainly not without a few bumps along the way. 

Through the years, Westpeak has adapted and evolved to the changing needs of New Zealand’s workforce, from product range to advancements in technology. In this article, we’ll take a look back at Westpeak’s journey, from the early days on the road to where the brand is today, and its plans for the future.

From humble beginnings

Westpeak’s story began in 1994, not with a store, but with a truck. Founder Lewis Simpkin started out by driving across the West Coast, selling uniforms directly to farmers who needed durable workwear that would last longer than a season. At the time, the “mobile business” model was a means to an end, but it also allowed him to test the waters without the need for a permanent store. 

On Fridays, Lewis would park the truck in a Greymouth shed, advertising to draw customers in. The early customer base was mainly farmers, but as mining began to boom, so did the demand for specialised workwear. Lewis grabbed the opportunity with both hands, broadening our product range to serve both industries.

For nearly a year and a half, the truck acted as Westpeak’s “storefront.” Looking back, the truck was a symbol of adaptability and resilience - qualities that have remained true to the company throughout its history. But as the customer base grew and the company gained ground, Lewis knew the time had come for something more permanent. 

In 1996, Westpeak opened a brick-and-mortar shop in Greymouth, which would become home for over 25 years. Transitioning from a mobile business to a store brought new challenges, but it also marked the beginning of our growth beyond the West Coast. What started as a small startup had laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the leading workwear supplier in New Zealand.

Building the brand

The next big moment in Westpeak’s journey came with the decision to develop our own brand of workwear. In the early days, we had sold a variety of off-the-shelf products, but the introduction of Westpeak-branded, expertly-designed clothing is what would set the business apart. The very first item - an oilskin vest - was designed to withstand the conditions of New Zealand’s tough working environments. This marked the start of a shift, with the business able to source and stock workwear that prioritised functionality, which resonated with local customers.
 

 

Lewis’s son, Mark, joined the family business after finishing school, bringing fresh energy and ideas that helped the company thrive. During a visit to a new mine, he saw an opportunity to offer something different and push Westpeak’s brand forward. With help from contacts in England, he established relationships with manufacturers who understood the brand’s commitment to quality and toughness. Once Westpeak-branded workwear hit the market, the company saw significant growth.

"Our products are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of our area, which sets us apart."

The introduction of the Westpeak label brought increased brand recognition and made us a trusted name, cementing our reputation for providing long-lasting gear that met the demands of New Zealand’s workforce. This set the foundation for Westpeak to become a nationwide supplier, focusing on products that truly meet the needs of our customers.

Growth beyond the Coast

Westpeak’s expansion beyond the West Coast began in the early 2000s, fueled by the involvement of Lewis Simpkin’s children, who pushed ahead with expansion into new regions, starting with Nelson. Key customers like Nelson Pine and Gray Brothers came on board and soon became loyal clients, supporting the company’s expansion. These relationships were built on trust, reliability, and a commitment to customer service. 

“Even if it costs you, you must keep your word," reflects Lewis.

From there, Westpeak’s reach grew nationwide, but the family’s hands-on approach remained at the heart of our success. What started as a local business had transformed into a trusted workwear brand, without losing sight of our roots or the values the business was founded on:

Relationships are everything

We bend over backwards to ensure the customer has an exceptional experience. We also acknowledge that to do this we rely on the smooth delivery of goods from our suppliers also.

We are open and honest

We behave with integrity and are free from bias. We understand that we have a reputation to protect and that our clients have high expectations.

Continuous improvement

Everyone is encouraged to look for ways to help our business and our clients’ business grow and prosper.

We do what we say we will do

We keep our promises to our family, our staff and our clients. Not only do we back the quality of our products, we guarantee them for 12 months. And if anything goes wrong we are quick to rectify it.

We do the right thing

We do the right thing not the easy thing. We treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves.

We deliver consistently 

Our reputation is only as good as our last order. We have a relentless focus on an exceptional customer experience for every customer.

The future of Westpeak

As Westpeak looks to the future, the focus remains on extending its presence across New Zealand before considering international markets like Australia. While the idea of expanding overseas is exciting, our team knows there’s still plenty of room to grow here at home. We’re committed to adding and refining our products and expanding into more regions across the country.

At the core of Westpeak’s future plans is a commitment to sustainability and quality. Every product is designed to last, with a one-year guarantee that shows just how confident we are in our products. With more demand for sustainable products and processes, we’ll continue to look for new ways to reduce our environmental footprint without sacrificing the durability and performance our customers have come to expect.

Learn more about our sustainability commitment in, Can workwear and sustainability go hand in hand?

In summary

Westpeak Workwear’s 30-year history is a true Kiwi success story. What started as a small operation selling uniforms from the back of a truck has become a nationwide name, staying true to the needs of New Zealand’s workforce. But it took much more than a bit of luck to get us this far. 

Westpeak has stood the test of time due to our high performing products and strong customer relationships, and we’ll continue to prioritise those areas above all else into the future. We thank all our customers, past and present, for their support, and look forward to serving you for at least another 30 years more.