Melrose Kiwi Concept Chairs - Formed in 1992 in Christchurch, New Zealand by Philip Melrose, Annette Melrose and Mike Turner.
Melrose Kiwi Concept Chairs USA Inc. - Formed in July 2008 in Fresno, California, United States of America by Philip Melrose, Charlie King and Mike Turner.
Melrose Wheelchairs is a Wheelchair manufacturing company that build custom, made to measure Wheelchairs for long term Wheelchair users (ie paraplegics, amputees). They also build Sports Wheelchairs, particularly Wheelchairs for Rugby, Tennis and Basketball. These Wheelchairs are also custom made and are built to the customers specifications as required by the athlete, the sport, and the position they play. Melrose Wheelchairs also produce and supply wheelchair parts to other Wheelchair manufacturers.
History: Philip Melrose, innovator and designer, had an offshore powerboat accident in January 1991, which left him a T10 complete paraplegic. After a number of frustrations with his first wheelchair he decided to build one for himself out of lightweight titanium. This was successful so he gradually had more built as he sold them to friends and acquaintances.
The small part time garage interest became a business when Mike Turner joined Phil to do the welding of the frames. Mike saw the potential and took the risk of leaving his own full time employment to help the business grow. It has slowly grown to a medium size business with it's own purpose built factory in Christchurch, New Zealand. The business has developed a reputation worldwide for its Rugby Wheelchairs.
Mike and Phil built up relationships with American business people, particularly Wheelchair parts suppliers and Wheelchair rugby players. After an opportunity presented itself to develop a Wheelchair manufacturing business in the United States of America, Melrose Kiwi Concept Chairs USA Inc was formed and operates from a factory in Fresno, California.