History

Workwear Group is a leading provider of workwear and safety gear in Australia and New Zealand. The company has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s, and it has grown to become a dominant force in the workwear industry.

The origins of Workwear Group can be traced back to 1911, when the KingGee brand was established in Sydney, Australia. The company started as a provider of high-quality workwear for Australian workers and quickly gained a reputation for its durability and quality.

In the 1920s, KingGee expanded its operations by opening stores throughout Australia. The company also began to export its workwear to other countries, including New Zealand.

During the 1940s and 1950s, KingGee continued to expand its operations which helped to strengthen its position in the Australian market.

In the 1960s and 1970s, KingGee continued to grow through a combination of acquisitions and innovation. The company developed new products, including the iconic KingGee overalls, which became a staple of Australian workwear.

In the 1980s, KingGee was acquired by the Industrial Equity Limited (IEL) group, which later became Pacific Dunlop. King Gee continued to grow and diversify its operations and expanding its product range.

In the 1990s, Pacific Dunlop changed its name to Pacific Brands, and KingGee became part of the Workwear Group division. Workwear Group continued to grow through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions, including the iconic Australian workwear brand, Stubbies, in 1997.

In the 2000s, Workwear Group continued to expand its operations by acquiring other workwear and safety gear brands, including Hard Yakka and NNT Uniforms. The company also expanded its operations into New Zealand, establishing a strong presence in the country's workwear market.

In 2007, Workwear Group was acquired by private equity firm, Pacific Equity Partners (PEP). Under PEP's ownership, the company continued to focus on innovation and product development, launching new products such as the Hard Yakka Legends range and the KingGee Tradies range.

In 2016, Workwear Group was acquired by Wesfarmers, one of Australia's largest and most successful companies. Under Wesfarmers' ownership, Workwear Group has continued to grow and expand its operations.

Today, Workwear Group is a dominant force in the workwear and safety gear industry, with a range of iconic brands such as Hard Yakka, KingGee and NNT Uniforms. The company continues to focus on innovation and product development, with a strong commitment to quality and durability.