Three generations of family have seen one of Armagh’s most respected companies grow from humble beginnings to a well established business over the last 35 years.
From establishing Killeen Hardware in 1983, the Hughes family have taken the builders’ merchant, based on the outskirts of the city, to new heights
Kenneth and son Philip, who remain as managing directors have overseen steady changes in the last four decades, with the biggest of those changes coming in 2007 with a complete refurbishment to their premises.
Now, 35 years on, Philip’s son David – who recently graduated university – has joined the company.
The company began as a builders’ merchant but branched out to serve DIY enthusiasts and the general public, however, their merchant business remains at the heart of what they do today.
The three-acre site comprises a hardware superstore, bathroom showroom, stove and fireside showroom, door centre, garden machinery showroom including a service and repair centre, paint and decorating department, key and glass cutting service as well as a wide range of power and hand tools.
“We have grown our product range to meet the needs of our customers,” explained company director, David Hughes.
His father Philip added: “The customer comes first at all times. We genuinely want to help them find the right solution and, in order to do that, we need to understand what the client wants and what budget they have.
“We pride ourselves on our excellent customer care, fast delivery, quality products and competitive prices. But we also listen to the customer and always try to improve in any way that we can. We wouldn’t be here without their continuing support, and for that we are thankful.”
Despite years of hard work and success, the company will refuse to rest on their laurels, always planning for the future.
“We have reinvested in our website and our product range online continues to grow, which allows customers to order online for a convenient service,” explained David.
“We have a growing presence on Facebook and offer customers the chance to sign up to a regular newsletter that outlines our latest offers and promotions.”
He added: “We’re here to work with customers, not just to get a sale.
“A lot of our business comes through word of mouth, so we go the extra mile to make sure customers are happy.”
Next Saturday, September 22, Killeen Hardware will celebrate those 35 years in business by hosting a trade show and breakfast morning at their Killycopple Road premises from 8.30am to 1pm. To find out more check out their Facebook page here, or click onto their website www.killeenhardware.co.uk
