Fitting way for F&P to celebrate three score and ten

Florence Robinson was Fisher& Paykel's first employee - and that was 70 years ago. Tonight, she will join other pioneers to celebrate the birthday of a company that has grown from an acorn into an oak tree with branches stretching worldwide.

Robinson didn't really have much choice but to work at the appliance manufacturer - because it was set up by her brother, Woolf Fisher (later Sir Woolf), with business partner Maurice Paykel in 1934. Their first venture was importing Crosley refrigerators and Maytag washing machines from the United States.

"I was the office girl. I did the typing but was probably more worried about who I was going to have lunch with back then," said Robinson.

Then based in a downtown first-floor office, Fisher was the travelling salesman, Paykel did the accounts and Robinson ran the office.

"I'm very proud of the family and company and the way it's all turned out," the 80-something said.

When tariffs hindered expansion, F&P began assembling its own appliances in 1939.

Now, F&P is a global brand and has spun out the highly successful Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.

F&P Appliances - which has been at its East Tamaki site since 1972 and listed on the stock exchange in 1979 - will celebrate that successful 70 with a birthday gala dinner at SkyCity.

The 500-strong guest list not only includes family and friends but also F&P dealers and suppliers. Chairman Gary Paykel will speak and a documentary will screen.

He says: "Everyone who has been involved in the business should be proud of their contribution ... they have all been part of its success."