It seems likely the Kibby Metal Pressing Factory on the corner of Devon Street West and Dawson Street was built in several stages beginning in 1940. The first part was located on Dawson Street and in 1964 another section fronting Devon Street was erected. Finally, in 1972 another part was built on the corner of Devon Street West and Dawson Street.
The business had begun in 1912 when the bootmaker Mr G.C. Kibby opened his first shop in Devon Street next to the White Hart Hotel. He later patented a new method making heel and toe plates, an idea that was to see his business expand rapidly. In the mid-1930s he moved to a building on the corner of King and Dawson Streets but soon after built larger premises next door. At the end of World War II he diversified further and began making steel and brass washers.
The entire complex was demolished in 2016 and replaced by "Dawson House", a new building occupied by Government services.
Related documents:
Kibby's: The evolution of a family firm - Advertisement (Ragtime #42 4 May 1991)
Ministry of Social Development to get brand new offices (Taranaki Daily News 18 April 2016)
New development set to rejuvenate city's western end (Taranaki Daily News 4 May 2016)
Two new builds give modern look (Taranaki Daily News 14 August 2017)
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