It’s not often a family business invests GB£4 million to radically increase its capacity and growth potential. It’s rarer still to have a senior member of the British Royal family formally mark the occasion. Directors and employees at A. Perry & Co (Hinges) Ltd have just enjoyed that honour.
His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent (pictured above in the foreground with Chris Perry (left) and Guy Perry (right)) - first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II - officially opened the new 100,000 square feet (9,250m2) warehouse and manufacturing operations in Cradley Heath on Thursday 21st September. Sales Director Ian Dunnaker, introduced the Duke to the company’s products before explaining the company’s 92-year timeline. Group Managing Director Guy Perry, then led his Royal Highness on a tour of the new warehouse and manufacturing facilities.
Speaking with Fastener + Fixing Magazine, Guy Perry revealed that the decision to commit the GB£4 million investment came literally days after the UK’s referendum decision to leave the European Union. “Everything was ready to sign, and we had two days to make probably the most critical decision in the company’s history.”
Ian Dunnaker explained: “If we had said no to the move we would have accepted we would not be able to grow. Our previous premises were already bursting at the seams.”
“We said we cannot think negatively, we must be positive,” said Guy Perry. “Since the move, which went so smoothly that our customers really did not notice, we have experienced 20% sales growth, as the additional space has allowed us to expand our ranges and achieve far greater efficiency in supporting our customers.
“We retain our previous 40,000 square feet premises, which are literally next door, but they were really no good for us in their current condition,” explained Ian Dunnaker. “If we continue on our planned growth trajectory of a further 20% growth in each of the next two years, we will be looking at knocking the old building down and rebuilding it to something substantial and modern.”
Ian Dunnaker showing his Royal Highness The Duke of Kent the company timeline
Established in 1925 by Arthur Perry, the company is now managed by the third and fourth generations of the Perry and Dunnaker families. It serves more than 2,500 trade customers and turns over in excess of GB£12 million. Key markets include equestrian building, garden and country stores, and architectural ironmongery sectors but the major increase in capacity is already allowing it to extend ranges and penetrate new market areas. During 2017 A. Perry debuted at Fastener Fair Stuttgart and also Spoga in Cologne, to which it will return next year with two stands, in the equestrian and garden sections.
Speaking after His Royal Highness had unveiled a commemorative plaque, Guy Perry said: “When Arthur Perry established A Perry & Co in 1925 he had a clear vision to make the highest quality, best value products he could. Even though today we have expanded and diversified into more than 30,000 products that vision remains true today. We are committed to ensuring the best quality products in the market.” He went on to thank the directors and loyal and longstanding employees who “ensure A. Perry remains a family run, independent operation”.
Will joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine in 2007 and over the last 15 years has experienced every facet of the fastener sector - interviewing key figures within the industry and visiting leading companies and exhibitions around the globe.
Will manages the content strategy across all platforms and is the guardian for the high editorial standards that the Magazine is renowned.
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