107-year-old Dunedin signwriting and design business Miller Studios has been reborn under new ownership after being forced to close down in March due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Some jobs have been reinstated as the new owners 'inject fresh life' into the award winning commercial fitout and signage business formerly known as Miller Creative.
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| At the ready, from left, Julian Ford, Barry Oliver, Nils Petersen and Oliver Kloogh of Miller Studios |
“Former Miller Creative production manager Oliver Kloogh, who has teamed up with southern-based investor and businessman Reece McChlery, has proudly stepped up to reopen the doors,” says a company press release. “Oliver is supported by some of the talented team who worked alongside him in the former Miller Creative Group, all grateful to have their jobs restored.
“Oliver and Reece will invest in and refresh the Miller Studios business, building on the world class standard of craftsmanship that it was founded on.”
McChlery is also the owner of sign writing business Sign It Signs, based about 300 kilomteres north west of Dunedin in South Island tourist mecca Queenstown. Both companies are members of the NZSDA.
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| Recent work by Miller Creative |
“It’s a really exciting time for us and we’re happy to get back to doing what we love to do,” says Kloogh. “Dunedin is a city with a strong creative heritage and Millers has been a major part of that for more than 100 years. We hope this is the start of some great things. We’re looking forward to catching up with our regular clients and getting the business back on track.”
Reece, from a Southland farming community, says: “We see a big future in Dunedin so we’re backing it. This is a massive opportunity to support the city and the regions.”
Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins welcomed the new investment in Miller Studios.
“At a time when business confidence has taken a blow due to the effects of COVID-19, it’s tremendous to see smart investors embracing opportunities in the regions," Hawkins said. "Over recent weeks Enterprise Dunedin has fielded inquiries from a number of businesses regarding setting up a base in the city. It’s truly heart-warming to now see an iconic business such as Miller Studios re-establishing itself in Dunedin.”
Commercial fit out and signage experts, Miller Studios, as it was originally named, was founded in 1913 by signwriting craftsman Oswald Miller. He passed on his creative talents and craft to his sons, and Miller Studios was involved in creating stained glass windows for some of New Zealand’s beautiful historic churches and buildings.
Since then the business has evolved to provide design, fit outs and signage. “Miller Studios is now back up and running at its Anzac Avenue site with a growing team of passionate signwriters and skilled design professionals on hand," the company says.
https://www.millercreative.co.nz
