Clive Wilson Switchboards designs and manufactures custom LV switchboards, MCCs and distribution boards for industrial and commercial sites across New Zealand. Built in Invercargill, delivered nationwide, verified to AS/NZS 61439.
Quick answer
CWS is a family-owned NZ switchboard manufacturer based in Invercargill, founded by Clive and Beverly Wilson in 1971. We build custom LV switchboards on Logstrup (up to 8,000A), Simotrol and Schneider Prisma Plus G platforms. ISO 9001 certified since 1995, Avetta and SiteWise Gold registered, Master Electricians member, EEHA-qualified team. Nationwide delivery.
In this article
This guide covers what custom switchboard manufacturing means at CWS, the platforms we build on, the sectors we supply, the certifications we work to, and how to start a project with us. Founded by Clive and Beverly Wilson in 1971, manufacturing in Invercargill, delivering nationwide.
Off-the-shelf switchboards work for the most basic commercial installations. Anywhere the load, the environment, the protection coordination or the operational pattern is anything other than standard, the off-the-shelf path becomes a compromise.
A custom build starts from the loading schedule and the single-line diagram and works back to the right platform, busbar capacity, fault rating, form of internal separation, enclosure layout and component selection. The board is designed for the site, not adapted to fit it.
The cost difference between custom and catalogue is smaller than most people expect. The performance and maintainability difference, over the 20 to 40 year service life of the assembly, is significant.
Our build envelope covers the full range of NZ industrial and commercial LV switchgear:
Our switchboards are installed across:
A custom switchboard is engineered for the load it will carry, the environment it will sit in, and the people who will maintain it. That is the difference between a board that runs for 30 years and a board that needs replacing in 10.
CWS was founded in 1971 by Clive and Beverly Wilson in a Princess Street garage in Invercargill. Switchboard manufacturing has been the core capability since the first purpose-built workshop opened in 1971. Over 55 years of continuous NZ switchboard manufacture.
Three type-tested platforms: Logstrup (for the largest MSBs up to 8,000A), Simotrol (our in-house platform for MSBs and MCCs, AS/NZS 61439 type-test backed), and Schneider Prisma Plus G (CWS is an accredited builder). Platform selection depends on the project requirements.
Yes. We build in Invercargill and deliver across New Zealand. Recent project deliveries span Auckland, Northland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Napier-Hastings, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Queenstown, and regional infrastructure across Southland and the West Coast.
Yes. Our team is EEHA-qualified (Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Areas). For hazardous-area installations we work to AS/NZS 60079 and integrate intrinsically safe barriers, gas-group-rated equipment and marshalling appropriate for the zone classification.
Send us a loading schedule, single-line diagram and confirmed fault level. We will scope the board, propose a platform, and quote in writing. See our enquiry information guide for the full information list.
Reviewed by Chris Wilson, Co-Director, Clive Wilson Switchboards. Registered electrician, 15+ years in LV switchboards. Updated May 2026.
