Another 115 years in the pipeline
ASTLEY’S Plumbing and Hardware has been serving the Dubbo region since the early 1900s and trading for over 115 years. It has been in the Astley family business since 1927, but was known as J. Ritter and Co until 1954.
Today, the business earns some of the region’s premium work opportunities and gives back to the community in many ways, including as a Top Hat sponsor of the Dubbo Regional Theatre.
“My father, and grandfather before him, were always generous when it came to community sponsorship and this has continued under my management,” Astley’s Plumbing and Hardware owner Stuart Astley said.
“We are extremely appreciative of the continued support Dubbo tradespeople and residents have offered our business over the years and it is our way of giving something back.”
Astley’s supplied products for the construction of the theatre.
“Being a theatre there was a fair amount of acoustic wall linings involved in the project. Our challenge was to have the products delivered on site, on time and without damage. That is something that we do well,” he said.
As a major sponsor, Astley’s offers ongoing financial assistance to the theatre.
The long standing local business has always served customers further afield than Dubbo and conducts work as far out as Lightning Ridge and Bourke.
“We currently hold over 1000 account customers,” Mr Astley said.
“We have diversified over the years. Starting as a small water tank supply business we now offer a complete range of both plumbing and hardware products including doors, vanities, toilets, baths, locks, timber, roofing and much more.
“We have one of the largest door and bathroom displays in the Central West and constantly surprise people with what we have available when they visit our showrooms,” he said.
During the COVID-19 stayat-home restrictions, hardware stores were regarded as essential services so Astley’s remained open but was not immune to the ways COVID-19 affected all businesses.
“We remained open although some staff took the opportunity to work from home and others applied for leave. We operated at approximately 70 per cent capacity.
“We relied on our staff’s ability to multi-skill. The staff really proved their mettle during this time, keeping our doors open while others were closing,” he said.
Astley’s had already launched a new website before COVID-19 and offered a “Call and Collect” service.
“I think the community as a whole really pulled together during the worst of the outbreak and that’s what makes me so proud of the town,” Mr Astley said.
Anticipating stock shortages from supply chain disruptions, Astley’s increased their stock holdings to ensure supply did not disrupt customers.
“Impacts were minimal. We are also proud to say that a majority of products supplied are Australian made. These include doors, PVC pipe and fittings, fibre cement, and more.”
Mr Astley says the business is slowly getting back to normal.
“It is important that we continue to abide by the government’s requirements in regards to social distancing and so on, and we will remain vigilant in protecting staff and customers as best we can.
“The future looks bright. We have a well-respected strong sales team, we recently launched our new website astleysonline.com. au, we have just completed our brand-new door and lock display showroom, we have freshened up the bathroom and kitchen showroom, introducing new designs from all leading suppliers, and our stock levels are at capacity.
“We are looking forward to the next 115 or so years,” Mr Astley said.