Thomson Lewis became a limited liability company in 1917, nearly 15 years after Alexander Thomson of Dunedin sold his interest in the company to Alfred Lewis.

By 1917 the Levin and Otaki branches had closed down, leaving the 101 Tory Street Wellington branch as well as Buick Street Petone and 14 Campbell Street Wanganui.

Alfred Maurice Lewis died at his home, 'The Pines' in Oriental Parade on 29th June 1945.


The Petone branch closed in 1957 but by 1960, with the acquisition of the large Phoenix Aerated Water Co. Ltd business, Thomson, Lewis & Co. Ltd. had successfully taken over virtually all of the local Wellington aerated manufacturers.

Competition was not lacking however. The English-based 'Schweppes' company started operating from Petone in 1935 and later the ever-popular American Coca-Cola brand won a large market share in Wellington.

In 1966 Thomson Lewis (P.N.) Ltd was established in Palmerston North. This was a subsidiary company of Thomson Lewis & Co. Ltd. that lasted through until 1975.

Thomson, Lewis & Co. Ltd. was closed down in 1981 and a new company by the name of Thomson Lewis (1981) Ltd. bought some of the assets, formulas and trademarks. Upper Hutt-based Coca-Cola bottlers held 98 of the new company's 100 shares and the range of Thomson Lewis products was reduced.