Fletcher 1940-1949
Fletcher becomes a public company with an eye to the capital needed to develop interests in timber.
50,000 preferential shares offering a 6% return are taken up, but only 1125 of 50,000 shares offered to the public are taken up.
A new head office designed by architect Henry Kulka, and a plywood factory, are developed at Penrose.
In 1941, James Fletcher accepts an invitation from Prime Minister Peter Fraser to become Commissioner for Defence Construction, to ensure adequate accommodation, and facilities from hospitals to explosives magazine stores, for New Zealand and US armed forces.
In 1942, son Jim becomes Managing Director of the company.
