COMPANY NEWS
UNITED HARDWARE FUNCTIONS AS A COOPERATIVE BUYING GROUP, FOSTERING COLLABORATION AMONG INDEPENDENT MERCHANTS IN THE PLUMBING AND HARDWARE SECTORS…
Building better businesses together
In the dynamic world of heating and plumbing merchants, where industry giants dominate and trends evolve rapidly, independent merchants often struggle to stay competitive. United Hardware DAC emerges as a guiding light for these independents, offering strength through unity. With a combined turnover exceeding €500m, United Hardware DAC has positioned itself as one of Ireland’s largest representative groups in the industry, renowned for its expertise in product
sourcing and procurement. At its core, United Hardware functions as a cooperative buying group, fostering collaboration among independent merchants in the plumbing and hardware sectors.
United Hardware DAC has positioned itself as one of Ireland’s largest representative groups in the industry.
This collective approach empowers businesses to leverage bulk purchasing power, a critical strategy in navigating market complexities. The group’s mission revolves around empowering members to secure optimal deals from key suppliers, providing a cost-effective avenue for independent marketplace entry. By joining United Hardware, members gain access not only to competitive supplier deals but also to a suite of market-leading support services aimed at business growth. The group’s marketing initiatives focus on driving sales and fostering stronger supplier and trade customer relationships. Additionally, United Hardware owns and operates the leading retail brand Homevalue, through a sophisticated franchise model. This strategic advantage positions United Hardware as a key player in cost efficiency for heating and plumbing merchants. Through direct importation and extensive distribution capabilities, United Hardware members benefit from reduced costs, enabling them to maintain competitiveness in a demanding market. Operating from a purpose-built
140,000sqft distribution centre on the outskirts of Dublin, United Hardware leverages its international buying power through a seasoned commercial team and membership in Bricoalliance. This advantage allows for direct importation of high-quality sanitary ware and shower doors from manufacturers, with United Hardware serving as the sole agent in Ireland for IMAS radiators. Partnerships with industry-leading brands such as Sonas, Flair, Ideal Energy, Grant, Firebird, Joule, EPH Controls, Sanbra Fyffe, Triton, Mira, Grundfos, Scalemaster and Drayton further bolster the group’s standing. Scalemaster and Drayton received well-deserved recognition as finalists in the recent Plumbing & Heating Awards. United Hardware’s commitment to transparency and cooperation is evident, with each member being a shareholder. This collective ownership ensures that all savings achieved are passed directly to the members. In fostering a community where shared success is paramount, the cooperative emphasises not only collective purchasing
but also mutual support and collaboration. Recent additions to the United Hardware family include Lacey’s Plumbing & Heating, winner of the Best Multi Location Merchant of the Year at the recent Plumbing & Heating Awards, and Ger Malone in Limerick. Success stories such as Greenline Plumbing Supplies, Barretts of Maynooth Homevalue, O’Higgin’s Homevalue, and West Cork Building Supplies Homevalue highlight the tangible benefits of joining the cooperative. Access to exclusive supplier offers, terms, own-branded products, rebates and trade shows has not only improved margins but has also set members apart from local competitors. In the ever-changing landscape of heating, plumbing and retail, United Hardware DAC distinguishes itself not only as a cooperative but as a driving force supporting independent heating and plumbing merchants towards shared success and industry leadership. For further information on joining United Hardware, please use the contact details below. T: +353 (0)1 461 1800 E: info@unitedhardware.ie www.unitedhardware.ie
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