New uniform supplier opens logistics hub in Manawatū

In 2022 ADA New Zealand became the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) supplier for uniforms, kit and wearable services, succeeding long-time Australian supplier Workwear Group (WWG). The contract, involving more than 12,000 NZDF personnel, is New Zealand’s largest ever clothing deal.

NZDF personnel have been wearing ADA NZ uniforms since the contract went live.

Palmerston North was chosen for the hub in partnership with ADA NZ, Palmerston North City Council, and The Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA), because of its central location and as a boost to the economy of the Manawatū region.

Opened on 3 October, the 3,000-square-metre custom-built facility will serve as a hub for design and development, data-driven wearable systems, logistics, and warehousing, catering to the needs of the NZDF.

Prior to the new facility being completed, ADA NZ - a subsidiary of Australian Defence Apparel - was occupying warehouse space in the Palmerston North Ezibuy Distribution facility and office space in the Palmerston North CBD as a temporary measure.

Brigadier Rob Krushka, Chief Joint Defence Services, said the NZDF was proud to see its partnership with ADA NZ bring a positive impact to the community where NZDF personnel lived and worked.

Tony McQuillan, Director - Defence Equipment Management Organisation - Defence Logistics Command New Zealand Defence Force, said the new hub was a “fantastic milestone for ADA NZ as the newest NZDF Strategic Partner”.

“It enhances the industrial base of the Manawatū Region and provides state-of-the-art and resilient wearables, along with design and development capability within the geographic centre of the NZDF.

“I congratulate ADA NZ on their achievement and thank them for all the hard work getting to this point.”