McLaren Stainless Limited

McLaren Stainless is a third generation family business based in the Hawkes Bay. Founded by Reg McLaren in the 1920's, followed by his son Bruce and grandson Robert (Rob), who is Managing Director today. From its original beginnings McLaren Stainless has developed into a world class stainless steel fabrication and OEM business exporting machines globally.

It all stemmed from a company called Loach and Price, who were plumbers and electricians in Heretaunga Street, Hastings. Reg McLaren went there as an apprentice tinsmith, today's equivalent of a sheet metal engineer. He stayed with that firm, became a shareholder and in 1962 the name changed to Price McLaren Limited.

Bruce McLaren also worked in an engineering business, Hawke's Bay Machinery and Engineering Company, originally as an apprentice and later as a 50% shareholder. In 1980, the engineering company moved to Price McLaren Ltd and the two companies joined. When Reg McLaren passed away six months later, Bruce McLaren took the helm. Although now semi-retired, Bruce remains actively involved and likes nothing better than spending time in the new purpose-built factory that is such a far cry from the old days.