Independent hardware distributor Carl F Groupco has just recorded its biggest ever month, with sales exceeding £2 million. The month caps a stunning quarter for the business, which was its highest on record. John Crittenden, Managing Director at Carl F Groupco, said: “If you read the headlines, it’s doom and gloom. But it’s a different picture on the ground. Feedback from our customers is that the market is still buoyant and it’s something that’s reflected in our sales.”
John reports there are highlights from every part of the business. He says: “The premium end of the market is still growing and looks likely to continue to do so in 2023. Even at the value end of the market, customers are still reporting full order books, perhaps in part driven by consumer concern over rising energy price. Fabricators in the commercial and social housing sectors are still securing contracts, albeit at slightly lower volumes due to increased budgetary pressures.”
Carl F Groupco is proving such a popular hardware distributor because its offer is very strong, especially in an uncertain economic climate.
It provides an extensive range of premium quality window and door hardware and has long-standing relationships with Europe’s most innovative manufacturers. It holds £5 million of stock, which means it can remain a reliable partner to its customers, offering short lead times and a high level of customer service.
For ease of ordering and an improved customer experience, the company recently launched My CFG, an online digital platform.
The company also offers a value-added consultancy service, testing and working with its customers’ fabrication teams and manufacturer partners to scope new hardware solutions and ensure smooth transitions to new ranges.
Perhaps most importantly, it has a decades-long history, which gives it a stability and level of experience few can match.
John concludes: “We’re here to support our customers, no matter what the market conditions. But I think the lesson we can learn from this quarter’s results is simple. Let’s not talk ourselves into a downturn as the market is still holding up.”
