About Us & Our Heritage
McCallums Group has been keeping Kiwis safe, clean and looking good for almost 100 years. From our beginnings as a small Invercargill tailoring and drycleaning business in 1927, we’ve grown into a diverse, family-owned textile services company providing workwear rental, professional laundering, linen, uniforms, drycleaning and specialist textile services across the lower South Island. Today, the third generation of the McCallum family continues to combine Southern can-do and common-sense know-how with a commitment to quality, innovation and more sustainable ways of working.
Where It All Began
McCallums was founded by James Arnold McCallum and his wife Myrtle in Invercargill in 1927. Originally known as A McCallum Tailor and Drycleaner, the business began with remarkably simple equipment, including a converted 44-gallon drum but a strong commitment to craftsmanship and service. As demand grew, so did the business, investing in new equipment, employing its first staff and establishing a reputation for quality textile care. In 1956, McCallums moved to Dee Street, where we continue to operate today.
Growing With Our Customers
Over the decades, McCallums continued to evolve, investing in new technology and expanding beyond drycleaning into a wide range of textile services. Today these include uniforms and embroidery, workwear rental and laundering, mats and towels, washroom services, first aid supplies, curtain and wedding dress cleaning, repairs and commercial linen. In 1980, McCallums became an Apparelmaster licensee, extending our expertise into managed workplace rental services for businesses throughout the region.
Expanding Our Services
In 2006, McCallums expanded again with the acquisition of Taylors linen hire business, enabling us to provide linen rental and servicing to hospitality and accommodation businesses throughout the lower South Island. As our commercial services grew, operations were brought together under one roof at Otepuni Avenue in 2008, creating a more efficient base from which to serve our customers and continue growing the McCallums Group.
Family Values. Future Focused.
Today, McCallums Group is led by Wayne McCallum, grandson of founder James Arnold McCallum. While much has changed since 1927, the values behind the business remain firmly rooted in family, reliability and getting the job done without fuss. Many of our people have been with McCallums for more than 20 years, with some second-generation employees continuing that tradition. Looking ahead, we’re equally focused on reducing our environmental impact. Through ongoing investment in more sustainable technology and processes – including our innovative woodchip boiler – we're working towards a cleaner, more efficient future for our business, our customers and our region.
Our Partners
