Global exporter and employer, Gallagher Group, celebrated a major milestone when it hosted key partners from around the world to its 75^th anniversary conference and dinner at  Claudelands Conference and Exhibition Centre in March. 

Around 600 international Gallagher representatives assembled at Claudelands in Hamilton for a week of business meetings and social events marking the anniversary.

Gallagher Group is one of the world’s top three electric fence manufacturers by market share. The company employs 1,000 people, most of whom work in the Waikato region, and achieves export sales approaching $200 million annually.

The electric fence business was first established by Bill Gallagher (snr) on the family farm in the 1930s. Now managed by his sons, Sir William and John Gallagher, Gallagher Group markets a diversified range of animal management and security products to more than 100 countries.

The company has always been proud of its Waikato origins and has actively demonstrated this commitment through sponsorship and other forms of community engagement. It was therefore entirely fitting that Gallagher Group Chairman Sir William Gallagher marked the company anniversary by gifting a statue of Captain Charles Hamilton to city Mayor Julie Hardaker during the weekend.

Hamilton City took its name from the famous naval commander who led forces at the Battle of Gate Pa in 1864. The life-size bronze statue was crafted by Timaru sculptor Margriet Windhausen.

Gallagher Group conference organiser Stevie Bain and a team of event professionals put the celebratory event together and found Claudelands to be an ideal facility for the occasion.

“Claudelands is a brilliant venue” says Bain. “From meeting presentations to dining options it is a perfect conference facility and delegates from around the world were raving about it”.

Hamilton City’s Event Facilities Director of Business Development, Murray Jeffrey says it was a privilege to host the Gallagher conference.

“Gallagher Group is one of the most significant businesses in the region, taking Kiwi intellectual property to the world” he said. “We were delighted to be able to help celebrate the anniversary milestone by hosting the Gallagher distribution network here at Claudelands,” Jeffrey concluded.