Fasteners Direct recently opened for business in Mt Eden, Auckland. The company offers a wide range of fasteners and adhesives to the construction industry and is, in the words of owner Andrew Benton, “a convenient one-stop shop”.
Mr Benton, who holds a BCA degree from Victoria University, gained hands-on experience in the construction sector and its supply chains during the five years he spent as a senior project manager on property developments in the upper North Island.
“My experiences in this sector made me realise that sourcing and supply solutions for fasteners could be improved, and that there was, in fact, a gap in the market,” he says.
Mr Benton consciously positioned Fasteners Direct to cater for the quality-conscious end of the market.
“All our products are trusted New Zealand brands or brands well known, proven and supported here — products that can cope with our harsh climate and conditions.
“Recent changes to the Building Code 2004 specify the use of more durable products, such as stainless steel and galvanised materials. I have seen a shift in that direction, and our product mix accommodates this trend,” he says.
Fasteners Direct is also an Auckland agent for Reid construction systems, Pryda timber connectors and brackets, Paslode collated nails, Bremick roofing screws and Holdfast construction adhesives.
Mr Benton says his quality-focused strategy applies in equal measure to the service aspect of the business. A team of sales representatives regularly visits building sites or can advise customers on the shop floor.
Ordering can be done by telephone or electronically. A same-day courier service is available in the northern parts of the North Island and, in metropolitan Auckland, free delivery comes with all orders of more than $150.
But, Mr Benton says, whether a customer’s building project and order are big or small, “if they come to Fasteners Direct, they’ve come to the right place to source all their fastening requirements, and for professional service and competitive special offers.
“And if they can’t find what they’re after, we ask them to discuss it with us. We’re always adding products.”
Mr Benton says the company always aims to offer the best prices possible and, in some instances, on some specialised product ranges it can pass on good economies of scale to customers.
His outlook for the future is bullish.
“We know what the market demands and are making sure we are supplying. As our name gets around, word of mouth will do the rest,” he says.
