Pyjamas by the Thousand

Amid a scene of much activity, dominated by the staccato sound of 50 busy sewing machines, the staff of Gisborne Garments Ltd, in Peel Street, produces thousands of pairs of pyjamas for the New Zealand market.

Highly geared for peak production, the factory sews under the Roydon label for distribution to the 52 branches of McKenzies Ltd in this country.

Most of the material for the garments, which is laid out and cut in bulk, is imported from South East Asia, including some from Communist China. In one year the factory handles almost 1¼ million yards of fabric.

Staffed by 60 trained operators, the factory was established in 1945, and is managed by Mr Ray Zame, a well-known local musician in his spare time.

The machinists are generally young single women, who serve a three-year apprenticeship before becoming qualified operators.

As an incentive to maintain a high standard of work and to keep its employees happy in their work, the firm makes an annual award to its most improved junior and to those staff members who have a long period of unbroken service. In addition to this it has an active social programme, including picnics, barbeques, and a cabaret.