Hardware celebrates 10 years in Benoni
Changes the owners have seen in Benoni over the past 10 years include industrial hubs, such as Apex, becoming smaller and the deterioration of the CBD not offering businesses optimal growth opportunities
Petit Bricks and Buildware celebrates 10 years in Benoni this year.
From humble beginnings, the business opened its doors in 2010 and operated out of a small Wendy house with little more than wooden boxes as chairs for customers and reps alike.
In 2013, a second wooden cabin was added – a project which took a year to complete – and after four years of running the business out of this 8mx9m wooden cabin, it was time for a momentous change and an additional 10m² of retail space was added.
The move was met with great support and encouragement from customers.
Today, the business is known in Benoni as the “chick hardware”, due to service with a smile from a team of very capable women who even operate the forklift or load sand with a TLB.
“We are always there to provide top-notch, friendly and professional service beyond compare,” said owners Mary Heyns and Andre Oppermann.
“Big changes again happened at the business in 2018 and 2019. We relocated from a 72m² shop to a 440m² brick building, adding additional offices and sporting a whole new look and feel. Re-launching on October 26, 2018, was a huge success and was met with overwhelming support from our customers and suppliers.
“We have expanded our yard to accommodate many more products and will continue to grow and fulfil the requirements of our customers and community alike. Our sincere thanks to all who have been part of us growing and extending to where we are today, becoming a close-knit ‘family’. Here’s to new growth in 2020 and beyond!”
Changes the owners have seen in Benoni over the past 10 years include industrial hubs, such as Apex, becoming smaller and the deterioration of the CBD not offering businesses optimal growth opportunities.
“We have remained a small, customer-driven concern which services the local community with great passion. It has always been important for us to also refer business to competitors in the area and them, in turn, reciprocating this,” the owners explained.
“What set us apart is maintaining and improving client relations, personalised service and competitive pricing.”
Both agree the wholesome support of the community has contributed to their success, as has regular advertising on various platforms, including print and social media.
“In these uncertain times where everyone is still finding their feet, we have also experienced many of the same hardships other business have. However, when we were allowed to reopen in lockdown, the support of the community was fantastic despite us having to wait long periods for many stock items due to manufacturers having cut back,” Heyns and Oppermann said.
“This is an industry trend at the moment though, and we still believe we can only go from strength to strength.”
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