Christchurch-based Earth Sea Sky last year won an initial contract valued at more than $500,000 to produce a complete seven-piece wardrobe for the extreme Antarctic conditions.
Otago Apparel has been contracted to manufacture the three styles of jacket and one set of pants.
Earth Sea Sky owner David Ellis said yesterday the original down-filled jackets for the Antarctic were made in Dunedin about 50 years ago and he was thrilled to see the tradition continue.
The project also had an important personal link, as Mr Ellis' father, Murray, was an Antarctic and Himalayan adventurer who accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary on his 1900km journey to the South Pole in 1957-58.
Dunedin family firm Arthur Ellis produced the jackets and sleeping bags used on the journey.
David Ellis and Earth Sea Sky designer Moira Park were in Dunedin yesterday accompanied by representatives from Antarctica New Zealand, which awarded the contract.
The group visited Otago Apparel's Kaikorai Valley Rd premises to check on progress with the order, which is due to accompany the crews when the season starts on October 1.
Antarctica New Zealand Antarctic support manager Iain Miller said the organisation looked specifically at New Zealand companies.
As well as supporting homegrown businesses, it also provided much more flexibility to make changes right up to the production stage.
The quality of the work was also strictly controlled.
"We're very proud to be associated with a company still manufacturing in New Zealand."
He described the range as "survival clothing" designed to withstand temperatures as low as -50degC.
Some of the existing clothing was 30 years old and had drawn complaints it was uncomfortable and not waterproof.
The outfits had to cater for a wide range of temperatures and uses, from scientists on the sea ice to machinery operators and cleaners at Scott Base.
One of the key differences with the new clothing range was the ability to layer items for personal comfort.
As well as introducing a waterproof bib overall, another new feature was displaying the New Zealand flag on the three outershell jackets.
Mr Miller said this would "showcase" the garments and he hoped it would lead to Earth Sea Sky becoming the "Antarctic clothing expert".
Mr Ellis said the complicated outer items were being manufactured in Dunedin, and the three fleece inner garments were being made in Christchurch.
In each of the seven styles, 260 pieces were being produced.
There were 13 sizes - seven for men and six for women.
The new wardrobe was more versatile and included features such as specific jacket pockets for radios and manuals.
Ms Park said a specialist women's range had been introduced at the first time.
Otago Apparel owner Elizabeth McKewen said her company's involvement with the Antarctic project started 18 months ago when it began preparing samples.
Bulk production began in May.
Mr Ellis started outdoor clothing company Earth Sea Sky almost 20 years ago.
His company has previously supplied "bits and pieces" for Antarctica New Zealand, but this was the biggest contract he had received from the organisation.
The plan is for the contract to stretch over the next decade. - Andrea Jones
