Andrew Livingston, CEO of Howden, said sales across its 16 outlets in the Republic were “well ahead of last year”, with the company now planning to increase its Irish presence during an earnings call.
It expects to open five more depots in Ireland by the end of the year, bringing its total to 21 across the country.
Woodie’s is probably the best-known hardware chain in Ireland
Livingston said the Irish market suited the company, and it could even increase the total number of depots here further.
He suggested a figure of around 40 was possible.
“We’ve been able to find the right sort of price-location mix, and very similar type of setup on trading estates in Ireland,” he said.
“And when we go into these secondary towns, we’re getting good value, and we’re getting prominent locations.
“So, we’ve said around about 40. I don’t know, it might be more, but a business of 40 in southern Ireland would feel pretty good to us, and we’ll be about halfway there by the back of this year.”
A presentation accompanying the results shows Howden had nine depots dotted around Dublin, with further sites across Galway, Naas, Tralee, Cork and Waterford.
Howden Joinery entered the Irish market in 2022.
Chadwicks focuses on construction materials catering to both trade professionals and homeowners.
It opened five depots across Dublin, including in Sandyford, Ballyfermot, Swords, Ballymount, and Glasnevin.
Howden’s move to expand further in Ireland could act as a challenge for London-listed Grafton Group, which operates the Chadwicks and Woodie’s brands here.
In the UK, the company sells kitchens and joinery products to trade customers, primarily local builders, through 891 depots.
It also has 79 depots in its international business including in France and Belgium.
Howden recorded sales of over £2.4bn (€2.76bn) last year, up 4.1pc on the previous year. Profit before tax also increased, hitting £344.9m
Livingston said the business advanced on all fronts last year.
“We gained market share and delivered a strong operational performance with profit growth ahead of sales,” he said.
“Alongside this, we continued to invest in our strategic initiatives which is helping our trade customers win more business while making our operations more efficient and productive.”
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