Howdens Joinery is the UK’s largest manufacturer and supplier of fitted kitchens, appliances and joinery products from local stock and has just launched a brand new depot in Alloa.
Opened in June, the new depot at Alloa Trade Centre off Clackmannan Road neatly compliments existing depots in Stirling, Falkirk & Dunfermline and is the result of years of searching for the right unit in the right place. This is now Howdens 76th depot in Scotland.
This new development is led by Manager George Turner who explains further, “I’ve been with Howdens for 12 years and as far I can remember we have been looking for a site in Alloa. Clackmannanshire sits right in the middle of our existing portfolio and I am delighted that the local trade in the area now have their own local Howdens.”
George continues, “At 9,000 sq. ft., the unit is huge and when I first saw it with Steven Dalgleish of Ceteris, I simply could not have envisaged the wonderful transformation of a massive empty shell into the state of the art depot we now have. We have a trade counter, storage and racking, a mezzanine level and enough space for our forklifts to safely get around.
“I am glad to report that we had a problem free fit-out and I would like to thank Ceteris for all their help throughout this project.”
George who has held Counter, Sales Representative and Assistant Manager positions with Howdens in Dunfermline was offered the Manager’s role in Alloa at the start of the year and is relishing his current role. “I aim to build this depot into one of the most successful in the Howden portfolio.” he says.
George is ably supported by a team of five staff plus two local apprentices. The one-year apprentices Arron & Kieran are from Tullibody and Sauchie and each will receive full Forklift Training as part of their apprenticeship.
Billy Thompson is the depot’s main point of call for customers, new and existing, and after working for Howdens in Linlithgow for two years moved to the Alloa depot in time for launch. Billy’s role is to expand Howdens customer base and to ensure that all customers receive the fine attention to detail and the excellence in customer service that Howdens is famous for.
Howdens key customer markets includes all trades covering joiners, builders and architects, large and small. “We will not be beaten on price and will price match all items for all customers”, Billy proudly states.
Angela Ogilvie, Operations Director of Ceteris, takes up the story, “I am delighted that Howdens have chosen the Alloa Trade Centre as the location for their new depot. I know they searched long and hard for the perfect unit and it really is fantastic news for the area that they have now opened this flagship depot for Clackmannanshire”
Howdens launched in 1995 when founder Matthew Ingle secured funding from MFI to create a trade-only kitchen sales business selling “rigid-built” cabinets to local builders assuring the best local price and a no-call-back quality. By 2013 there were over 500 depots in the UK and the 700th is expected during 2018. Howdens also operate in mainland Europe, namely France, Belgium, Germany & the Netherlands.
Last year alone they supplied over 400,000 kitchens, 2.5 million doors and 770,000 appliances to UK homes.
The Alloa depot has free parking and once inside, customers will be suitably impressed with the services on offer. The brand-new trade counter showcases many of the products Howdens offer. From door handles, tools and supplies to flooring and examples of fully fitted kitchens, they really can provide the materials for any type of job.
If an architect or joiner is creating a new kitchen for a customer, Howdens can bring the designs to life. Behind the scenes, in-house designer Johnny Campbell uses his skills to create unique customised kitchen layouts before displaying them in real-life glorious 3D on the 64” widescreen monitor. This unbeatable service ensures Howdens, designers, builders and the final customer can work together as a team when it comes to renovating the heart of the home.
They are family friendly too and even supply toys and treats for the little ones so they don’t get bored during negotiations!
When asked to describe Howdens in three words, George said simply, “Quality. Value. Trust.”
He believes that by sticking to these three principles, focusing on customer service and providing only the very best hi-spec materials, the new Howdens depot in Alloa Trade Centre will be a successful addition to the Howdens story, now 22 years and counting.
Look out for the new Howdens brochure to be distributed across Clackmannanshire soon containing details of their inspirational kitchen designs plus a full range of accessories, worktops, handles, sinks, taps, flooring, doors and a wide variety of Lamona appliances exclusive to Howdens.
For further information about Howdens Joinery, visit www.howdens.com or call the team in Alloa on 01259 280900, email alloa@howdens.com