The name Brooks is synonymous with the timber and building supplies industry as the company is one of the leading providers in this field in the Republic of Ireland.
The origins of the company date back to the late 1700s and it has made its mark on our history over the years.
The main core of the business sees them distribute timber products and building materials to house builders and contractors, joinery and furniture manufacturers, other builder merchants, subcontractors, house factories, and end-users (DIY) through outlets open to public, as well as through direct-to-site delivery.
There are seven branches of Brooks Timber & Building Supplies Ltd nationwide with stores in Sligo, Tullamore, Cork, Galway and three in Dublin, Glasnevin, Sandyford and Bluebell.
For this month’s edition of Building Ireland, we profile the Sligo branch and speak to branch manager Karl Kelly about the service they provide to a large customer base.
Like all branches, Brooks in Sligo offer their customers a wide selection of products and materials at competitive prices.
There are six main product groups and they are timber and wood, heavy building material, ironmongery and shop products, flooring, plumbing and heating and landscaping.
“This branch of the business has been open for the past 60 years and it is an integral part of Sligo town’s history,” said Karl.
“Our customer base would cover in the region of eight counties surrounding us, many of who would be doing their business with us for many years.”
Karl revealed that there has been a significant upturn in the last 12 months as businesses continue to recover from the recession.
“We’re busy enough at the moment, it has been fairly solid for the last year and we are looking to improve on that over the course of the next 12 months. I don’t think it will be every as good as it was before and maybe that’s a good thing. Like everyone else, we had a couple of lean years, but fortunately we came through it and we’re looking forward to the future.”
Brooks are main dealers for many of the leading brands and they pride themselves on supplying quality products to their customers.
Four years ago, the company underwent a major change when Welsh owned company Premier Forest Products bought Brooks Timber & Building Supplies, although Karl revealed that they have stuck to the Brooks way.
“There hasn’t been much change, if anything we would have a better supply of products and in particular our timber range.
“We have constructional timber, machined timber, redwood, sheet material, hardwoods and a FSC approved chain of custody certifications. Where applicable all timber products are produced to current EU construction directives.”
Brooks also supply a full range of Irish products especially in the heavy building materials section as manufacturers include Gypsum, Moy Isover, Wavin and Irish Cement Tegral.
In Ironmongery and Shop products, Brooks provide everything from nails to door handles. Catering for everyone, Brooks supply a wide range of building consumables which allow the building professionals or home DIY person those small bits that make all jobs a lot easier.
When it comes to flooring, the company can’t be rivalled as they are a leading supplier of Europe’s top flooring manufacturer Junckers.
A wide selection of plumbing and heating materials are available, while they also have capabilities of helping with Part-L Regulations through their sister company Bronur Energies. When it comes to landscaping, look no further for decking and hard landscaping products.
Not only do Brooks offer a huge selection of products, but they also offer the personal touch in that they can give expert advice to their customers whether they be building professional or those doing DIY jobs at home.
The Brooks name has been built on honesty, ambition, courage and pride.
“We always give honest feedback to our customers and suppliers. A lot of hard decisions have to be made at times, but we have the courage to do so, especially if it is in the best interest of our customers.
“There is a great deal of pride in the company whether it be the staff or our customers, we are there to help. There are 12 people employed in the Sligo branch, many of who have been here for years, they are very experienced and customer friendly and they have played a huge part in the success of the business.”
Karl is looking to the future with a degree of optimism as this timber and building supply company continues to deliver on excellence.
“We are happy enough with the direction that the business is heading Like I said there has been a big upturn in the last 12 months and hopefully that can continue. We would be happy to reach a certain level and maintain that.”
Brooks Timber & Building Supplies Ltd
Finisklin Road,
Sligo
Phone: 071 9161111
Fax: 071 9161506
Opening Hours
Mon – Fri: 7:30am to 5:00pm
Sat: 8:00am to 1:00pm
Taken from Building Ireland Magazine, July 2016, Vol 2 No 3
Brooks, Building, Supplies, Timber
