Bulk Hardware, a supplier of bulk packed and pre-packed hardware and DIY products, is celebrating its 40th year in business with an expansion to its warehouse.
The family-run business was formed in 1974 after years of hard work by managing director Wyn Rees.

Prior to the company becoming established, Wyn worked out of the back of a van selling pre-packed hardware and DIY products to corner shops.

Wyn employed his first employee in the late 1970s and quickly outgrew his first warehouse in Bath.

In 1980 the business moved to a warehouse in Chippenham, where the company has been since.

The original warehouse lasted around eight years before the business outgrew it and embarked on a series of ambitious expansion plans.

A second warehouse was added to the side of the original building in the mid-90s, with high-tech mezzanine floors which effectively doubled storage capacity for Bulk Hardware.

Fast-forward to 2014 and the company is now embarking on expanding its warehouse again by a further 50,000sq ft, which will take the warehouse to a total capacity of around 125,000sq ft.

Son of Wyn, Gareth Rees told diyweek.net: "This expansion allows us to carry on growing. We were struggling for space and that meant we were unable to consider adding new product ranges."

Bulk Hardware works constantly to improve the way it operates for its customers.

"We are trying all the time to add new features for our customers. We are working on a new website, with updated price lists and product information. We hope that customers will soon be able to access invoices online. We want to make that customer experience as convenient as possible," explained Gareth.

The company currently employs 72 members of staff, some of which have been with the company for over 30 years.

Gareth added: "We keep hold of and value our core staff. My father started this business from absolutely nothing and with the team we have got has grown it to the thriving business it is today."

Bulk Hardware supplies everything from door handles to plant labels, all pre-packed and ready to supply to the trade in bulk.

And as Wyn explained: "We initially started supplying wholesalers, but as they have diminished we are now beginning to sell direct to the retailer, so effectively Bulk Hardware has gone full circle. There is a demand from both.

"We are always looking for new opportunities and new ranges as suggested by customers."

Wyn added he believes Bulk Hardware has two strengths; the first being a 99.5% stock availability, which is down to an efficient stock control system and a compact packaging design, which enables retailers to display up to three times as much stock.

Bulk Hardware celebrated its 40th anniversary with a staff barbecue.