--- title: Asmus Centenary description: Join us in celebrating 100 years of Asmus --- [![Asmuss](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/hubfs/Logo.svg "Asmuss")](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/) ©2021 Asmuss Group of Companies Search: ![H J Asmuss moved to new premises at 55 Customs Street East - pipe fittings and valves were stored in the basement which flooded in spring tides-1](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/H%20J%20Asmuss%20moved%20to%20new%20premises%20at%2055%20Customs%20Street%20East%20-%20pipe%20fittings%20and%20valves%20were%20stored%20in%20the%20basement%20which%20flooded%20in%20spring%20tides-1.jpg?width=480&height=360&name=H%20J%20Asmuss%20moved%20to%20new%20premises%20at%2055%20Customs%20Street%20East%20-%20pipe%20fittings%20and%20valves%20were%20stored%20in%20the%20basement%20which%20flooded%20in%20spring%20tides-1.jpg) # 100 Years of Asmuss For a century, this family-owned company has contributed to the development of the nation’s history by sourcing and later manufacturing a variety of products for infrastructure and construction projects.  For 100 years the mission to provide excellence to customers has never wavered. Asmuss helped build New Zealand’s past — now it can help make the future. For a century, this family-owned company has contributed to the development of the nation’s history by sourcing and later manufacturing a variety of products for infrastructure and construction projects.  For 100 years the mission to provide excellence to customers has never wavered. Asmuss helped build New Zealand’s past — now it can help make the future. > ## A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN 100 YEARS. [1920](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1920) | [1930](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1930) | [1940 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1940)| [1950 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1950)| [1960 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1960)| [1970 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1970)| [1980 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1980)| [1990 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1990)| [2000 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2000)| [2010 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2010)| [2020](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2020) Henry James Asmuss - founder. Westport rugby team 1886 with founder Henry John Asmuss Auckland in the 1920s HJ Asmuss & Co original product catalogue featuring +GF+ malleable iron fittings, 1921. When Henry Asmuss died of pneumonia in 1924, his son William inherited the business. Corner of Queen and Customs Streets in 1925. William Asmuss' car circa 1930. William Asmuss’ only son Alan, a pilot, tragically killed during WW2 in 1942. Colin Woonton former Managing Director, with H J Asmuss & Co from 1948. William Asmuss inside the offices of HJ Asmuss and Co in the 1950s. Asmuss' Graham Street property prior development, 1962. Colin Woonton became General Manager after William Asmuss death in 1960 through the 1980s. On the road to Tokoroa to play cricket with staff who serviced the Kinleith Millin, 1970s. Duffield fitting warehouse, Misi Hamo started a storeman in the Workshop in the late 1970s. Charlie Staples chaired the Asmuss board of directors for 26 years from 1976. Duffield warehouse, mid 1980s. Motunui Synthetic Fuels Plant. H J Asmuss supplied multiple Think Big projects in Taranaki, 1980s. Ian Brickell at the wheel of his green Mercedes, 1984. H J Asmuss delivered certified pipe fittings and valves for the major expansion of the Marsden Point Oil Refinery in 1985. Staff ski trip to Mount Ruapehu in the 1980s. Dereck Brickell launched Asmuss Plastic Systems in 1990, exactly 70 years after his grandfather founded H J Asmuss. The wooden racks from Graham Street were set up in the new Mount Wellington warehouse, 1998. H J Asmuss steel warehouse in Mount Wellington. ![The Asmuss family arrived in Auckland on the Maheno in March 1920.](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/The%20Asmuss%20family%20arrived%20in%20Auckland%20on%20the%20Maheno%20in%20March%201920..jpg?width=1062&height=758&name=The%20Asmuss%20family%20arrived%20in%20Auckland%20on%20the%20Maheno%20in%20March%201920..jpg) **1920 - The start of it all** Henry James Asmuss returned to Auckland after a successful business career in Australia to found H J Asmuss & Co with his son, William, in 1920. The Asmuss family arrived in Auckland on the Maheno in March 1920. Auckland was booming with a population of about 150,000 and suburbs being built in the surrounding farmland.   [1920](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1920) | [1930](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1930) | [1940 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1940)| [1950 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1950)| [1960 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1960)| [1970 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1970)| [1980 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1980)| [1990 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1990)| [2000 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2000)| [2010 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2010)| [2020](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2020) ![Cert of Incorp 1929-1](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Cert%20of%20Incorp%201929-1.jpg?width=632&height=480&name=Cert%20of%20Incorp%201929-1.jpg) **1930 - Asmuss is incorporated** When Henry Asmuss died of pneumonia in 1924, his son, William, inherited the business. William Asmuss steered the company through the Great Depression.  [1920](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1920) | [1930](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1930) | [1940 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1940)| [1950 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1950)| [1960 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1960)| [1970 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1970)| [1980 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1980)| [1990 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1990)| [2000 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2000)| [2010 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2010)| [2020](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2020) ![H J Asmuss moved to new premises at 55 Customs Street East - pipe fittings and valves were stored in the basement which flooded in spring tides-1](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/H%20J%20Asmuss%20moved%20to%20new%20premises%20at%2055%20Customs%20Street%20East%20-%20pipe%20fittings%20and%20valves%20were%20stored%20in%20the%20basement%20which%20flooded%20in%20spring%20tides-1.jpg?width=480&height=360&name=H%20J%20Asmuss%20moved%20to%20new%20premises%20at%2055%20Customs%20Street%20East%20-%20pipe%20fittings%20and%20valves%20were%20stored%20in%20the%20basement%20which%20flooded%20in%20spring%20tides-1.jpg) **1940 - Navigating troubling times** Trade and shipping routes were heavily disrupted by World War II which made importing products difficult for H J Asmuss & Co.  The Asmuss family were struck by tragedy in the war when William and Elsie Asmuss’ only son, a pilot, was killed in a flying accident over Libya in 1942. H J Asmuss & Co moved to new premises at 55 Customs Street East. [1920](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1920) | [1930](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1930) | [1940 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1940)| [1950 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1950)| [1960 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1960)| [1970 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1970)| [1980 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1980)| [1990 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1990)| [2000 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2000)| [2010 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2010)| [2020](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2020) ![Waipapa Hydro Dam during construction](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Waipapa%20Hydro%20Dam%20during%20construction.jpeg?width=671&height=480&name=Waipapa%20Hydro%20Dam%20during%20construction.jpeg) **1950 - Building New Zealands future** A shortage of electricity after the war led the government to develop the Waikato River for electricity production and H J Asmuss supplied the mighty hydro dams. Ambitious and driven, Colin Woonton led the drive to supply state housing schemes and the hydropower stations under construction in the Waikato. An astute owner/manager, William Asmuss had the ability to pick a good team. [1920](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1920) | [1930](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1930) | [1940 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1940)| [1950 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1950)| [1960 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1960)| [1970 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1970)| [1980 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1980)| [1990 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1990)| [2000 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2000)| [2010 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2010)| [2020](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2020) ![Asmuss House in Graham St. ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/15c.%20Asmuss%20House%20in%20Graham%20St.%20.jpg?width=5386&height=4162&name=15c.%20Asmuss%20House%20in%20Graham%20St.%20.jpg) **1960 - An era of expansion** A new property was purchased in Graham Street, Auckland CBD. Its greater warehouse capacity allowed further expansion. Evelyn Brickell was now the company's sole owner. She found a kindred spirit in Colin Woonton in her concern for staff welfare. Colin became General Manager after William Asmuss’ death in 1960, his philosophy was: ‘*The most important thing at Asmuss isn’t the stock, nor the customers - it’s the staff. If you look after the staff they become family and they treat the customers the same way.*’ [1920](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1920) | [1930](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1930) | [1940 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1940)| [1950 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1950)| [1960 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1960)| [1970 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1970)| [1980 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1980)| [1990 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1990)| [2000 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2000)| [2010 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2010)| [2020](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2020) ![Kinleith Mill - Asmuss supplied the mighty pulp and paper mills in the central North Island](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Kinleith%20Mill%20-%20Asmuss%20supplied%20the%20mighty%20pulp%20and%20paper%20mills%20in%20the%20central%20North%20Island.jpg?width=640&height=480&name=Kinleith%20Mill%20-%20Asmuss%20supplied%20the%20mighty%20pulp%20and%20paper%20mills%20in%20the%20central%20North%20Island.jpg) **1970 - Breaking new ground** H J Asmuss further broadened its product range in a quest to service the industries of New Zealand, particularly the Pulp and Paper mills in the central North Island, like the Kinleith Mill depicted here. The company also  supplied valves and fittings to the Huntly power station. [1920](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1920) | [1930](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1930) | [1940 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1940)| [1950 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1950)| [1960 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1960)| [1970 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1970)| [1980 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1980)| [1990 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1990)| [2000 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2000)| [2010 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2010)| [2020](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2020) ![H J Asmuss opened its first regional branch in Kawerau in 1985](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/H%20J%20Asmuss%20opened%20its%20first%20regional%20branch%20in%20Kawerau%20in%201985.jpg?width=794&height=480&name=H%20J%20Asmuss%20opened%20its%20first%20regional%20branch%20in%20Kawerau%20in%201985.jpg) **1980 - Growth into the regions** H J Asmuss supplied the government’s ‘Think Big’ energy projects of the 1980s. H J Asmuss opened its first regional branch in Kawerau in 1985 - Asmuss Brooking. Asmuss Brooking and HJ Asmuss & Co delivered certified pipe fittings and valves for the expansion of the Marsden Point Oil Refinery. [1920](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1920) | [1930](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1930) | [1940 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1940)| [1950 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1950)| [1960 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1960)| [1970 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1970)| [1980 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1980)| [1990 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1990)| [2000 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2000)| [2010 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2010)| [2020](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2020) ![A major coup for the Asmuss subsidiary in Christchurch, Tudor Steel, was supplying steel for the Cake Tin in Wellington](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/A%20major%20coup%20for%20the%20Asmuss%20subsidiary%20in%20Christchurch,%20Tudor%20Steel,%20was%20supplying%20steel%20for%20the%20Cake%20Tin%20in%20Wellington.jpeg?width=606&height=480&name=A%20major%20coup%20for%20the%20Asmuss%20subsidiary%20in%20Christchurch,%20Tudor%20Steel,%20was%20supplying%20steel%20for%20the%20Cake%20Tin%20in%20Wellington.jpeg) **1990 - Asmuss Plastic Systems is born** HJ Asmuss & Co supplied structural steel for the Cake Tin in Wellington. Derek Brickell founded Asmuss Plastic Systems. Ductile iron fittings being poured in the Asmuss foundry in Christchurch. The new Auckland premises for H J Asmuss opened in Gabador Place, Mt Wellington in 1998. [1920](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1920) | [1930](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1930) | [1940 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1940)| [1950 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1950)| [1960 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1960)| [1970 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1970)| [1980 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1980)| [1990 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1990)| [2000 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2000)| [2010 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2010)| [2020](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2020) ![H J Asmuss supplied structural steel for the cover of the South Stand, Eden Park. Constructed for the 2011 Rugby World Cup](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/H%20J%20Asmuss%20supplied%20structural%20steel%20for%20the%20cover%20of%20the%20South%20Stand,%20Eden%20Park.%20Constructed%20for%20the%202011%20Rugby%20World%20Cup.jpeg?width=2048&height=1536&name=H%20J%20Asmuss%20supplied%20structural%20steel%20for%20the%20cover%20of%20the%20South%20Stand,%20Eden%20Park.%20Constructed%20for%20the%202011%20Rugby%20World%20Cup.jpeg) **2000 - A national branch network is established** A nationwide network of regional branches was established. The Mt Maunganui Branch opened for business in 2000. The Taupo Branch was set up to cater for the region’s growing geothermal energy industry. H J Asmuss supplied structural steel for the cover of the South Stand, Eden Park. Built for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. [1920](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1920) | [1930](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1930) | [1940 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1940)| [1950 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1950)| [1960 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1960)| [1970 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1970)| [1980 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1980)| [1990 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1990)| [2000 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2000)| [2010 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2010)| [2020](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2020) ![The Taranaki Branch has established a reputation for innovation](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/The%20Taranaki%20Branch%20has%20established%20a%20reputation%20for%20innovation.jpg?width=720&height=480&name=The%20Taranaki%20Branch%20has%20established%20a%20reputation%20for%20innovation.jpg) **2010 - A move into manufacturing** Asmuss moved into manufacturing pipes with the purchase of a modern extrusion plant in Hamilton. The Wellington Branch supplied 2,000t of steel pipe for 20 Customhouse Quay, a building designed to resist a one in 500-year earthquake. The Taranaki Branch has established a reputation for innovation. By early 2020 the company had been amalgamated and restructured in time for its centenary. [1920](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1920) | [1930](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1930) | [1940 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1940)| [1950 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1950)| [1960 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1960)| [1970 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1970)| [1980 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1980)| [1990 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1990)| [2000 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2000)| [2010 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2010)| [2020](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2020) ![Asmuss_Logo_Primary_Black and Colour_RGB-2](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Asmuss_Logo_Primary_Black%20and%20Colour_RGB-2.png?width=1409&height=980&name=Asmuss_Logo_Primary_Black%20and%20Colour_RGB-2.png) **2020 - One Asmuss into the future** The company's commitment to streamline logistics and facilitate customer's access to its entire product range resulted in the Asmuss Group of Company amalgamating in early 2020. The previous four separate entities (H J Asmuss, Asmuss Plastic Systems, Asmuss Water Systems and Asmuss South Island) were brought together under one fresh and bold  brand: Asmuss.     [1920](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1920) | [1930](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1930) | [1940 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1940)| [1950 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1950)| [1960 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1960)| [1970 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1970)| [1980 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1980)| [1990 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s1990)| [2000 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2000)| [2010 ](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2010)| [2020](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/asmus-centenary#s2020) ### Got a question? [![Small Scale Primary Colour_RGB](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Small%20Scale%20Primary%20Colour_RGB.png?width=200&height=113&name=Small%20Scale%20Primary%20Colour_RGB.png "Small Scale Primary Colour_RGB")](https://www.asmuss.co.nz/) ©2026 Asmuss Group of Companies [ 0800 276877](tel:0800%20276877)