Master Valet Drycleaners and Apparelmaster – helping Nelsonians look sharp!
Dry-cleaning is quite an interesting process. Cleaning and looking after people’s favourite garments comes with a lot of responsibility. Read on and learn something about what makes Master Valet an icon in our CBD. From wedding dresses to curtains to work overalls, they do the lot. It’s quite an impressive range.
In the mid-1940’s Valet Service (Nelson) Ltd was opened by Mr P.F. Black at 70 Achilles Avenue, providing the Nelson region with high-quality dry cleaning services – something that continues to this day. Around 1957, Valet Services moved to 218 Trafalgar Street into larger premises as the business expanded.
On December 5th, 1965, the Trafalgar Street premises were destroyed by fire and over the next two years, a new building was erected (at the time the tallest building in Nelson). When the building was being constructed, all dry cleaning was being transported to Motueka and processed there.
In 1966, Master Dry Cleaners purchased IXL Dry cleaners and Dry works at 100 Collingwood Street and moved into the new premises. Alan Black purchased Master Dry cleaners in mid-1977 and moved from the factory at 218 Trafalgar Street to 100 Collingwood Street, installing a new dry-cleaning plant.
Meet Bev and Darryl. They are the current owners of Master Valet. It’s funny how people get into businesses like this. Bev and Darryl both had long careers in the seafood industry at Sealord and Talley’s. One day Darryl said,
“Master Valet Drycleaners is for sale what do you think, should we buy it?”
“I laughed at him because he isn’t exactly “passionate” about doing the laundry at home. But he was being serious so before long we were the owners of this legendary service in Nelson. 2014 what a year!” says Bev.
“The machinery was very old and that was a challenge we had to overcome with lots of investment in new ones. Most of the machines rely on steam and a new boiler has just been installed. As their business has expanded this new boiler ensures we have the capacity to run the new washers, dryers, dry-cleaning machines and presses.
Central to our business are the 15 staff we employ, from drivers, and customer service staff to dry cleaning specialists. Our staff are hugely important to the smooth running of our business. There’s a cheerful atmosphere here, and we celebrate cultural diversity. On display are the flags showcasing the various nationalities.”
Bedding, curtain and mat cleaning is also a big part of their business and of course, they take great pride in the stunning wedding dresses, and evening wear coming through. They have a small team carrying out repairs in house.
“Taking on the Apparelmaster licence in 2017 was a game-changer for us. This is a service where we hire garments (food whites and industrial overalls), mats and towels to businesses and we clean these each week and deliver them back. It’s been exciting to watch this aspect grow and we know it helps locals like The Car Company and Pics look their best at all times. There are a lot of regulations we need to keep on top of. We hold AsureQuality accreditation for the food industry garments.”
In his spare time, Darryl loves to hit the hills on his motorbike or mountain bike. Formerly a passionate cyclist it is more recreational these days. He also enjoys trail riding with his daughter, Charlotte. Together they enjoy camping, boating and mountain biking as a family.
If you need anything dry-cleaned or laundered, Master Valet is the place to go. Feel great knowing you are supporting locals. Know your garment (s) are in good hands!!
Located at 100 Collingwood Street, Nelson
www.mastervaletnelson.co.nz
Call 03 548 3473
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