History

Wilson Holdings Limited is a privately-held company which is wholly-owned and controlled by Les Wilson of Dunedin.

The company formerly known as Wilsons Transport Otago Limited started life back in 1951 as Clutha Carrying Company, Milton Branch. Les’s father, and founder of Wilsons Transport, Herb Wilson started in the transport industry in 1933, initially working for his brother, Jim Wilson. Since that time the business has grown and diversified beyond recognition.

In 1972, Wilsons Transport acquired Milton Transport, followed in 1974 by both Clutha Carrying Company and Trucks Transport. In 1976 Andrews Haulage was purchased and in 1985 W D Powell Limited was brought into the fold. 23 years on Wilsons Transport entered into a merger arrangement with the Dunedin Carrying Co creating one of the largest transport operations in the region.

Real diversification began in 1984 with the building of a new sawmilling operation on the site of one of Wilson Transport’s unutilised depots at the south end of Milton. In 1985 the Southland operations of Smith Soil Industries (peat farms) were purchased.

The successful diversification into industries aligned to the transport sector continued over the next 20 years. Today, the group comprises investments in a wide range of industries throughout New Zealand and overseas, whilst still retaining a strong presence in the road transport sector.

The underlying philosophy of the Wilson Group in its providing of integrated solutions to industry through service, innovation and reliability has determined its core strength.

For over 60 years, our loyal employees and customers have remained the cornerstone of our continued success.