History

• 1910 George Waldeman Skellerup opened the first Para Rubber shop in Christchurch

• Para travelled the country to agricultural shows, using a large marquee hired from Dunlop to display a wide range of rubber goods, which commenced awareness of Para Rubber throughout New Zealand

• 1914 The first world war saw demand for rubber products dramatically increase. A sound rubber investment saw Para grow to four successful rubber shops by the wars end.

• 1919 Prospectus is issued and the Para Rubber company Ltd is formed.

• 1930’s The product range grows from tyres to include other related products. Demand for diverse rubber product increases and Para retailing comes of age.

• 1939 The onset of the second world war bought about many shortages in rubber products. Recycling and repair of rubber goods became a mainstay in the Para business. Marathon rubber footwear ltd (later renamed Skellerup Footware) was also registered.

• 1947 Skellerup Industries formed to manufacture rubber based products in New Zealand.

• 1978 Skellerup Industries takes a 25% interest in Vitafoam NZ Ltd. A major supplier to Para Rubber

• 1996 Para Rubber amalgamated with Clark Rubber of Australia. The combined retail structure now totalled 65 retail stores offering an even greater merchandise diversification, purchasing power, and aggressive new direction and modern retailing methods.