August 2018 – Saber Barbecues is added to Aber Living's portfolio of high-end brands.
April 2018 – Aber Living Rebrand
In 2018 Aber underwent a rebrand to Aber Living. This new trading name reflected Aber’s developing portfolio of agencies and products and clearly defined the three categories – Outdoor, Indoor and Leisure. Our new strapline ‘Making Living Better’ reflects our desire to bring only the best, quality products to market and to improve New Zealanders’ lifestyles.
January 2017 – Aber Living begin to distribute Pour & Go, a water purification system.
January 2016 – Aber Living acquired Char-Broil as a partner and starts distributing throughout New Zealand.
June 2014 – Aber Living become exclusive distributors for Canadian based Regency Gas Fireplaces.
September 2013 – AberGas Reformation
After many years under a single banner, Aber Holdings Ltd is separating its gas equipment and consumer lifestyle product divisions into two new, stand-alone companies.
According to Aber Group Managing Director, Gregg Brown, the scale of growth in each business area permits formation of the new AberGas and re-focussed Aber Holdings entities, with their creation providing greater clarity to customers, suppliers and staff.
“The growth we have experienced over recent years in the gas utilisation and lifestyle product markets has been very positive. This, in combination with our acquisition of Tank Test Laboratories and of the Kiwi Camping Company, provides us with scale for stand-alone business in each area,” says Mr Brown. “Now is the right time to have AberGas and Aber Holdings focus on those markets.”
AberGas will now include both its traditional supply of gas equipment from leading international manufacturers and Tank Test Laboratories cylinder re-testing and refurbishment services.
“AberGas has proven its expertise in this field where we have been actively involved in both aspects of supply since 1980. It will continue concentrating on innovative gas utilisation solutions for business and for the New Zealand gas industry, of which Aber is such an integral part,” says Mr Brown. “It will also continue sourcing and developing the leading-edge gas equipment for which it is well known.”
“Aber Holdings is our wholesale business that focuses on the supply of consumer and lifestyle products, distributing leading brands such as Kiwi Camping, Kent, Gasmate, Paloma and Bonaire and other Aber brands already in the market.”
Both Aber Holdings Limited and AberGas Limited are owned 100% by Aber Investments Limited. Mr Brown does not expect the separation of Aber Holdings and AberGas to majorly impact customers and suppliers when the changes come into effect on 1 October this year.
“It will be business as usual with few discernible external changes. All staff across both businesses is being retained.”
Tank Test Laboratories operates IANZ (International Accreditation New Zealand) cylinder testing laboratories based in Manukau and Christchurch.
July 2012 – Aber purchases the Kiwi Camping, Halo Peak brands and Nikwax agency
Effective 2nd July 2012. Kiwi Camping has been developing quality products such as family tents, camping sleeping bags, folding chairs & lighting for over 20 years.
June 2011 – Aber Group Consolidation
Aber Investments Limited (AIL) was established as the holding company for the Aber Group of companies in June 2011. AIL is jointly owned by Gregg and Alan Brown’s respective Trusts. AIL owns 100% of its subsidiary companies, namely Aber Holdings Ltd; Tank Test Laboratories Ltd; AberInstall Ltd and Happy Home Ltd.
February 2010 – Tank Test Acquires Canterbury Cylinder Testing
Effective 1 Feb 2010, Tank Test Laboratories acquired Canterbury Cylinder testing from Rusell Bishop. The acqusition expanded Tank Test operations into the South Island.
October 2009 – Aber purchases the Kent brand
KENT is a heritage wood fire brand renowned for providing reliable, high quality, affordable heating appliances for the past 30 years.
July 2009 – Tank Test Labs sells its operations to Aber Holdings
The acquisition is seen as a further commitment and investment within the NZ gas industry by Aber.
2008 – Fisher distribution agency obtained
Happy Home formed and four separate business divisions created to focus on specific markets and products.
2005 – Aber Moved
Aber moved to current new-build premises in Mainstreet Place, Hamilton.
1999 – Aber obtained agencies for Paloma Continuous Flow Water Heaters, and Ruud Storage Water Heaters
Any final automotive conversion contracts were completed ready for market exit.
1998 – Patio Heaters were introduced along with Rasmussen log fire effect heaters
Aber secured distribution of Bonaire Ducted Warm Air Central Heating out of Australia and Emege Room Heaters out of Argentina.
1996 – Enhanced products now introduced
Enhanced products now introduced, close liaison with the Sitro Group in Australia increased range of Barbecues to include sophisticated Gas Grills.
1995 – Aber offices moved to Sunshine Avenue
Aber offices moved to Sunshine Avenue and we introduced the QCC safety valve to NZ and this quickly became the preferred valve for cabinet heaters.
1990 – New products introduced to offset losses in the declining automotive business
Cabinet Heaters, 45kg and 9kg Cylinders, Regulators, Flat Top Barbecues, Burners and Hose Assemblies.
1988 – Aber purchased Stuart Manufacturing
Aber purchased Stuart Manufacturing, Dunedin manufacturer of electric heaters and exported mainly to Australia. Also purchased Tudor Roofing, Christchurch manufacturer of copper roof tiles. Both companies were sold in 1991. Aber became Alan Brown Energy Resources (1988) Ltd and Brown family retained full ownership.
1986 – The automotive conversion business experienced a steep decline
The automotive conversion business experienced a steep decline due to the removal of Govt subsidies. Nevertheless, Aber converted 500 public vehicles and 400 police vehicles up to this period. Aber opened a South Island Warehouse in Christchurch and a lower North Island Warehouse in Petone.
1982 – Aber appointed IMPCO Carburetion agent for NZ
Carburetion agent for NZ Business focussed mainly on vehicle conversion market, supplying tanks, cylinders and carburetors. First two warehouses located on Sandwich Rd, Hamilton, then larger store based at Perclo Place, with offices.
1981 – Alan Brown Energy Resources Limited (Aber)
In 1981, Alan Brown Energy Resources Limited (Aber) was set-up by Alan Brown focussed on the supply of LPG/CNG carburetion equipment for NZ vehicles.
1979 – LPG Equipment Services
Supplying Gas Plant Equipment, Gauges, Vaporisers and Hoses to Shell, BP and Rockgas, and Motor Accessories to Repco.
