A brief history of Lamberts

1947 Arthur Lambert, a returned serviceman (and prisoner of war in Germany) uses his Army severance pay to establish a brake specialising garage in Rathbone Street Whangarei. Arthur a qualified mechanic saw a niche in specialising (not common in 1947) especially in brakes as they were a high wearing part of cars and trucks on the seldom sealed roads of those days.

Authur and Bruce

1948 Arthur employs his first apprentice, Bruce Wilkinson. Bruce was just 16 when he started at Lamberts and worked there until his tragic death in 1985. Bruce played a major role in the development of Lamberts. He was well known, respected and liked in the Whangarei motor trade.
1949 Lamberts join the Motor Trade Association (MTA)

Port Rd shop circa 1952
1952 With a serious lack of space at the Rathbone Street shop, Arthur builds new premises in Port Road using timber he has cut and milled from his brothers farm at Purua. The building still stands and today is a cycle shop.

1958 After six years it is decided to move closer to the town center. ( Port Road was considered the outskirts in those days) Arthur purchases the derelict gas works building in Water Street. With the usual DIY spirit the building is soon converted into a workshop. This remains Lamberts main premises to the present day.

1968 The first workshop extension is added to rear of the existing building.

1972 The first Lamberts friction material saw is built and the dust extraction system is patented.

Kaitaia shop 1973

1973 Lamberts open a branch in Kaiatia. In the early 70s several trucking companies worked throughout Northland so a shop in Kaitaia was considered important for service continuity. An economic downturn forces the closure of the Kaitaia branch in 1974.

1974 Friction material saws are exported to Australia and Canada.

1975 Lamberts begin importing parts from Bendix Australia. In later years parts and product are imported from the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

1977 The New Zealand Brake Specialists Association is formed with much input from Lamberts.

Machinery for export

1980 New friction material saw models are designed. Eventually six models are produced and exported to 12 different countries. Several panel saws were also produced around the patented dust extraction system.

1992 The building at 48 Water Street (The Dive Shop) is acquired and rebuilt as the new Spare Parts Department.

1993 A large new Workshop is built off the rear of the existing building.

1997 Lamberts celebrate 50 years in business.

2001 Computerised roller testing equipment installed for the workshop.

2002 Lamberts South Auckland parts distribution warehouse is established at East Tamaki.

2004 Papakura Auto Parts at Takanini is acquired. The distribution warehouse is incorporated.

2006 Papakura Auto Parts is relocated to Plunket Ave. Manukau Warehouse.

2007 Lamberts celebrate 60 years in business.

2010 19th July, Arthur Passes Away in his ninety fourth year. Arthur managed to come to work every working day until he was 91, many considered him as a permanent fixture at Lamberts. The business was his "baby" and he just wanted to make sure all was well. Arthur will be missed.

Arthur

Arthur always had a story for a willing ear, particularly about his wartime experiences. Fortunatly he wrote a book about his life before, during and after WW2 "Greece to Crete before and after a Kiwi War Story" can be purchased online.

2011 The Auckland warehouse is relocated to 59 Ash Rd. Wiri.

To present day The business is still owned and operated by members of the Lambert family (every member of Arthur Lambert's family has or is at present working at Lamberts Automotive). Lamberts is a business built on solid Kiwi ethics like honesty, integrity, fair play, achievement through hard work and above all, people come first. Our mission statement is to continue into the future using these values as the keystone to our business. We look forward to the challenges of the new millennium.

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