D.A Lewis

Entrepreneurial from the start, in 1937 twelve year old David Arthur Lewis designed letterboxes as a hobby. Lewis then found a local buyer in retailer Smiths City, Christchurch. After receiving a cabinet making apprenticeship Lewis incorporated a company bearing his name and in 1946 set to work in the backyard shed.

Initially D.A Lewis focused on the manufacture of side-tables and bedroom furniture which sold through Smiths City, Holmes & Sons, and McKenzie & Willis. This was soon expanded to make dining tables and occasional furniture. With a successful base of products, Lewis began offering lounge furniture in 1958.

Success led to the company relocating to a colossal 50,000 square foot premises in 1961 and wholesaling furniture throughout New Zealand. by the 1980's D.A Lewis had expanded into international wholesale furniture as well as their premium local offerings.