Insight

As the parent company of its six well-established brands – Owlett-Jaton, JCP Fixings, Unifix, Stainless Threaded Fasteners, Icon Fasteners and Galaxy Fasteners – Hexstone is one of the few wholesalers in the fastener and fixing sector able to offer customers a one-stop solution when sourcing products. Here Keith Harrison, chief executive of Hexstone Limited, offers his insight into the latest developments in the business, and how Hexstone keeps ahead of industry trends.

Reacting to the changing needs of customers in the fastener industry is integral to our operation, and we are a company that has set out to service our industry sector in a consistent, and importantly, a sustainable way. I am asked, why do you keep all six businesses active in Hexstone? The answer is simple; we feel it’s important to maintain specific skills, knowledge and support to what are subtly different market sectors. With this in mind, what is it that is really important to customers in the fastener and fixing market?

A joining force
Helping customers to emerge from the impacts of the recession has been important to us over the last few years. It is clear that customers want to consolidate their suppliers, and as a result of having these six businesses we are able to provide a more complete service.

As customer demand continues to grow, we are able to rise to the challenge by maintaining stock levels and service throughout our operation. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with cost-effective products without comprising on quality. Hexstone recognises the needs of the market and adapts accordingly.

For customers, the benefits of this one-stop shop approach are plenty. Not only are there logistical advantages but it also offers peace of mind. By using only one supplier the management challenges are minimised. Customers are free to select from a wide range of quality products and can make use of our knowledgeable sales team. More and more customers have begun to approach us to consolidate their supply due to these reasons.

Attachment to brand
Having a recognisable brand is becoming increasingly important in our sector. For a long time the industry has not placed high importance on building brands, but as ever, consumers have driven this change. It is now imperative to present a strong brand, which encompasses our ethos. When people buy from Hexstone they are buying into quality and service, no matter what the product.

Providing a combination of niche and standard products, in a recognisable brand, allows buyers to select one trusted supplier. It also means that the six faces of Hexstone can continue to tackle the European market and other opportunities further afield. As a significant and substantial company, Hexstone can attract global suppliers and in turn, the very best products.

Developing markets
In the construction industry, where legislation plays a big part, we have seen an increase in the need for solar related products. A record amount of solar power was added to the world’s grids in 2014, pushing total cumulative capacity to 100 times the level it was in 20001. This change has had a direct effect on our product range and focus, for example the well known REDtip™ Solar Mounting System – where sales have grown to significant levels.

Within the fastener and fixing industry online trading has taken time to develop. Online trading can make the process of ordering and reordering products more efficient and straightforward. This is an area we plan to grow as a business in order to react to the changing needs of our customer base. We will continually look into new areas of development – driven by the changes in the market.

Securing the future
While it is important to recognise developing trends, operating in this sector can be problematic and it is important to maintain our core commercial values. It is also important to us that our business remains in good financial shape so that we can continue to deliver a reliable service to our customers. 

Hexstone premiere at Torque-Expo
For the first time in the UK, all six of the Hexstone businesses will be showcasing their wide range of products at Torque-Expo, between 13th – 14th October. Myself and the team will be on hand with a series of promotions and incentives. So make sure you come and visit us at Silverstone in October.

^{1. www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/09/record-boost-in-new-solar-power-continues-massive-industry-growth}

The Hexstone hexagon
Owlett-Jaton: A leading supplier of fastenings, fixings, hardware, ironmongery, and associated products to the merchant and distributor trade. With a network of sales offices throughout the UK, customers have access to experienced staff, whilst the online ordering website OJ Trade gives customers access to prices, stock availability, and more.

Unifix: Has a long and established history as a quality fittings brand. The strong portfolio of products such as Thunderbolt, Vortex screws, and Kliplok pipe clips, have an enviable reputation for consistent quality.

Galaxy Fasteners: The leading supplier within the structural, engineering, agricultural and steel framed building sectors. With a growing product range, which features assembled bolting, square hexagon bolts, cladding screws and allied products, Galaxy can deliver across mainland UK with a next day service and with full product traceability for customer confidence.

Icon Fasteners: Specialises in the supply of standard and non-standard products to a wide range of markets including: Automotive, agricultural, structural, energy, and general engineering. Icon is a leading stockist of high grade alloy fasteners, socket screws, and hexagon fasteners. The in-house specials team can source and manufacture parts to specification and is quality approved to BS EN ISO 9001 – 2000.

JCP Fixings: A specialist supplier of construction fixings to distributors. All products are supplied with a full technical specification, and in many cases European Technical Assessments/Approvals. JCP offers on-site testing of products via an external technical sales team, and in-house anchor load calculations.

Stainless Threaded Fasteners (STF): A leading distributor of stainless steel and brass fasteners. STF offers in excess of 10,000 items of A2 (304) and A4 (316) stainless steel and brass fasteners, as well as carrying a range of A2 (304) stainless steel security screws, A4 (316) marine fittings, the well known REDtip™ solar mounting system and Action Can industrial aerosol products.

www.hexstone.co.uk