A LEADING Co Down stove retailer has doubled its showroom capacity following a £200,000 investment.
Newtownards-based The Stove Yard has purchased and developed new larger premises in Kiltonga Industrial Estate, in a move supported by Ulster Bank.
The business, established in 2005 said the major investment will improve logistics and double the previous showroom capacity.
The retailer, which now operates two premises in Newtownards, opened an English showroom in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire in 2008 as part of an expansion into the British market.
This business has also diversified its product offering in recent years, introducing outdoor products such as barbecues and pizza ovens.
The Stove Yard co-owner, Richard Poulter, who runs the business with Ian Royle, said the latest investment will further strengthen the company's position as a leading provider of heating solutions.
“Greater showroom capacity and warehouse space is allowing us to further grow our seasonal product ranges and year-round gas appliances, an area of the business experiencing increasing demand," Mr Poulter said.
"At the same time, we are adding to our wood burning stove ranges by stocking and developing low emission products to further strengthen our competitive advantage in the market.”
Keith Thompson, business development manager at Ulster Bank added:
“Ulster Bank is pleased to support The Stove Yard in the purchase and redevelopment of its new warehouse and showroom. The investment will support the business into the future as it looks to expand its premium product offering and streamline its operations."
Both a consumer brand retailer and distributor, The Stove Yard has grown to become one of the leading retailers of wood-burning stoves in the UK and Ireland. The business sells 4,000 units per year and employs 11 staff.
The company supplies a network of wholesalers and independent installers throughout the UK and Ireland, while the Co Down business works closely with many of the north's top housing developers.
