our history
Our journey began over 60 years ago, and while our name has evolved, our purpose has remained the same: to provide meaningful work and trusted services for partners across Aotearoa.
Historically, our team operated under two names, will&able for our cleaning products and Altus Enterprises for our service division.
In 2024, we decided the time was right to pull both arms under the same umbrella, under a name that Kiwis know and love – will&able Altus Enterprises built a trusted reputation from its 60 years in operation, providing a range of services for legendary partners. This work has seen us clean headsets for Air New Zealand, refurbish meters for Vector and package food kits for Simply Dinner. This hasn’t changed.
Our team continue to deliver top notch expertise across a range of industries and this year we hope more customers and brands will get behind our team giving them to opportunity to show just how much they can do.
60 years in the making
From humble beginnings to nationwide impact, this is the will&able story.
our journey
The beginning: 1962
Arthur Clayton founded The Auckland Sheltered Workshop and Training Centre (ASWTC) with a focus on helping disabled and disadvantaged people.
1979
Arthur Clayton resigned. David Robinson took over, shifting the focus toward independence and workplace readiness.
1990s
Workforce Auckland Inc. was formed, and sheltered workshops were rebranded as Workforce Industries.
2003
David Robinson retired, and Joy Ottaway was appointed CEO. Focus shifted to improving Workforce Industries' performance.
2007
The DPEP Act was officially repealed, and supported employment services were relaunched under the “Elevator” brand.
Letitia Edwards and Apii Tumaru joinned the team. Our longest serving supervisors.
2008
Joy Ottaway resigned, and Kevin Riley became acting Managing Director.
2010
Neil Porteous was appointed CEO. Economic recession impacted sales, leading to deficits and restructuring.
2012
Workforce Industries was rebranded as Altus Enterprises. TVNZ’s Close Up featured Altus, bringing significant publicity.
2013
Neil Porteous stepped down, and Tricia Fitzgerald became Chair.
2014
Martin Wylie was appointed CEO. Greenlane offices were closed and consolidated into Mangere Bridge.
2015
Merged Elevator supported employment business with Geneva Health Ltd.
2016
Sold the Mangere Bridge site. Built a new factory at 246 Puhinui Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland 2025.
2018
Purchased an adjoining building at 260 Puhinui Road.
Launched the will&able cleaning products brand.
2019
Sold 50% of the Geneva Elevator Joint Venture to Geneva Health Ltd for $1.5 million.
2020
will&able was formally separated into its own business.
COVID-19 caused the loss of Air New Zealand business, leading to 130 redundancies.
2021
Sold 260 Puhinui Road to fund will&able expansion and reduce debt during COVID lockdowns.
will&able and Paul Henry advert is aired along with a segment on Seven Sharp, causing a swell of support for will&able products.
2023
will&able won the Social Enterprise of the Year award 2023.
2024
Kate O’Leary is appointed CEO.
Altus Enterprises and will&able rebrand under one brand – will&able, covering both business-to-business services and cleaning products.