108 | BUSINESS Swazi New Zealand T T Kim Newth Durable gear going the distance Swazi’s hi-vis workwear is regarded as some of the toughest. Many South Island companies have staff regularly working out in the field, braving rugged terrain and harsh conditions to get the job done. Swazi New Zealand is the one to reach for as the ultimate apparel to keep the whole team safe and warm, looking good and feeling good. A Levin-based company, Swazi has been in business for almost 30 years and knows more than a thing or two about designing and making robust clothing for farmers and hunters, as well as producing high performance, technical clothing for sectors like forestry, viticulture, construction, pest control and conservation. “From the very start, our focus has always been ‘fit for purpose’ and that means quality not quantity and we go for function over fashion,” says Flick Marlow, Swazi’s corporate manager. “Our patterns promote freedom of movement and that really sets us apart because it means they perform well and don’t restrict the wearer.” The Windriver is one of their top sellers in the farm and rural sector. Made using AEGIS® Windshield fleece, Swazi rates this as the most breathable and completely windproof jacket available. When Swazi sells a garment as windproof or waterproof, they really do mean it. Flick says they often hear of people’s bad experiences with other brands. “I always say to them – have you tried Swazi? We’re at the pricey end but that’s because we stand by what we promise, 100 per cent.” Swazi is a byword for durability and their hi-vis workwear is regarded as some of the toughest. The hi-vis range includes waterproof and windproof jackets and anoraks, waterproof capes, over pants and cheaters, with all apparel compliant with current NZ standards. Feedback to Swazi is showing that workers who wear Swazi are often much more productive than previously because the gear is so much more fit for purpose. Visit www. swazi.co.nz and look under High Visibility to view the range. Swazi can take people from the field to the office. The Assegai jacket, for example, is lightweight yet totally windproof for all-round weather protection and looks very sharp. In the field or yard, Swazi looks the part and goes the extra mile for businesses wanting to reinforce their brand presence. “We can brand your logo onto the garments by using our local branding company, Kapinua.” Flick loves the feedback she gets from businesses whose staff wear branded Swazi gear. “They tell me that as soon as they rock up, people will take one look and say, ‘you must be a good sort – you’re wearing Swazi’. It’s the essence of what we’re all about.” Swazi welcomes direct enquiries from businesses who may be interested in starting a trade account with them. In South Canterbury, High Country Contracting is delighted with how Swazi performs for their pest control team. They recently rated their Swazi gear 10 out of 10, noting that it gets “thrashed daily” in the country’s harshest conditions and has not let them down. It’s tough reliable gear that keeps everyone warm. Flick says High Country Contracting has been loyal supporter of Swazi clothing since 2016, having early recognised the value of putting staff into the best gear around. It has been a fruitful working relationship, leading to reflective tape being added to the Karona Anorak to meet health and safety day/night standards for the team. Swazi is known for their exceptional service. Another example comes from the forestry sector. When a forestry company approached Swazi wanting to have a cape specifically made for their tree felling workers, Swazi came up with a tailored solution that would ensure their workers would stay warm, dry and comfortable. It now stars in the Swazi lineup as the lightweight yet tough Buffalo cape. “We have a manufacturing plant, we have designers, we have pattern makers – we’re a one-stop shop. We welcome visitors to come and have a factory tour and see firsthand what we do.” Swazi’s repair service means that accidental tears to jackets can be repaired for a small charge while fleece garments are repaired free of charge. New Zealand isn’t the only place that loves Swazi. Today, Swazi is a worldwide company with a leading retail profile in Europe and a presence in the USA and Australia.
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