Hills Hats A Step Ahead
Many Lower Hutt companies have shown a remarkable ability to adapt to the Covid-19 lockdown and some are already seizing the opportunities slowly emerging from the crisis
Petone-based Hills Hats Chief Executive Simon Smuts-Kennedy took an early interest in the Covid-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China.
Before there was any suggestion of a lockdown in New Zealand, the company reviewed and upgraded its health and hygiene processes and went to work on a new product line.
Demand for the new range of stylish and reusable protective face masks was instant with health workers, trades people and others, including one of the company’s US retail chain clients.
Some 450 masks were produced and sold in the three days before lockdown. Production halted as Simon struggled unsuccessfully to get Hills Hats registered as an essential service. Another 500 masks were ready to ship once the lockdown was over, with around 2000 sitting on the production line.
Simon prepared the company to ramp-up production once he had a clearer view of how the market was evolving.
With a heightened understanding of infection risk, Simon believed the potential long-term demand was “massive”.
“But the question at this point is how to get to the market place. I won’t be giving up. Like any crisis, there are so many opportunities that will come from this.”
After that statement was made, Hills Hats made national headlines. In addition to their usual products, they’re now doing a strong trade in face masks, along with matching hats.
Visit Hills Hats at www.hillshats.co.nz.