WBC Plumbing Supplies is a leading independent distributor of plumbing, bathroom and renewable heating products from well-known manufacturers. Based in Drogheda, Co. Louth, the family-business is the plumbing supplier of choice in the North-East region.
WBC Plumbing Supplies’ commitment to excellence was recognised at the 2023 Heating & Plumbing Awards when it was named Best Small Independent Merchant of the Year. Hosted by Ireland’s Plumbing & Heating Magazine, the Awards are judged by an independent panel of respected industry experts who have unrivalled experience and industry knowledge. The 2023 Awards culminated in a gala ceremony at Clontarf Castle, Dublin on November 10 last which was attended by over 400 people, including leading figures in the Irish plumbing and heating industry.
“We were surprised and delighted to win the award,” says WBC Plumbing Supplies Regional Manager Richie O’Brien.
“We applied to enter the Awards last year in an effort to grow our brand. We didn’t expect to win first time! It’s fantastic recognition for our team and what we do. We have a great bunch of lads who will never see anyone stuck. We’re renowned for having the best laugh and the best team in plumbing supplies. It’s a real team effort.”
WBC Plumbing Supplies impressed judges as a young, dynamic and rapidly expanding business which is keeping pace with sector developments from regulations, training and the latest products to social media marketing. A standalone business under the Wogan Build Centre Group, it is led by Commercial & Residential Heating Manager Andrew McMahon, who helped set it up in 2011, and Richie, who has driven business development and supplier relations for over a decade.
“We’re part of the Wogan Build Centre Group along with Wogan Build Centre, WBC Civils & Drainage and Eurospec. The Group employs almost 100 staff, including eight here at WBC Plumbing Supplies,” Richie explains.
“The Wogan Build Centre Group was founded as a builders’ merchant over 30 years ago by Gerard and Anita Wogan. Their sons Derek and Garrett are now at the helm. WBC Plumbing Supplies originally operated from the Ballymakenny Road in Drogheda before relocating to our current state-of-the-art premises on the North Road in June 2017. We have steadily grown our team to cater for our customers’ needs.”
Specialising in domestic, commercial and industrial plumbing and heating supplies, WBC Plumbing Supplies prides itself on its exceptional service and product knowledge.
“Our people are our greatest asset. With a strong breadth of industry knowledge, they can assist with any technical queries. We enjoy an excellent relationship with our customers and treat everyone the same. We’re always at the end of the phone,” the affable Regional Manager stresses.
The award-winning supplier stocks a vast range of plumbing and heating products, and strives to do everything it can to make sure customers get what they need so they can do their job. Among the leading brands it represents are Joule, Ideal Energy, Sonas Bathrooms, Worcester Bosch, Kingspan, Grundfos, Sanbra Fyffe, South Coast Sales, Glen Dimplex, Ideal Standard and Wilo. The sales team undergoes regular training to stay informed about the latest trends and technological advancements in the industry as well as industry standards, codes and environmentally responsible practices.
“We only supply high-quality products from certified manufacturers which all meet required industry standards as to performance and durability,” Richie adds.
“We recently opened a new ‘Design Showroom’ which showcases our full range of bathrooms, doors & floors, and tiles. It looks the part and has been very well received by the public. From nuts and bolts to shower pumps, boilers, heat pumps and sanitaryware, we supply the lot.”
WBC Plumbing Supplies’ customer-base is growing by the week. It is the supplier of choice for many local plumbing and heating firms, including M&P Mechanical, Neacy Mechanical & Electrical, McGuinness Mechanical, Kerrigan Mechanical, Gaffney Mechanical, NZEB Technologies, MGS Mechanical, Castle Plumbing & Heating, Royal Renewables, Vinny Johnson Plumbing & Heating, Des Hynes Plumbing & Heating, CSC Plumbing & Heating and CSC Engineering.
WBC Plumbing Supplies invests in digital tools for inventory management, sales analytics and customer relationship management to streamline operations and enhance customer experience. The entire team is dedicated to helping customers succeed and providing the best possible service and solutions. Keeping as much stock as possible on hand gives clients the peace of mind that the company has what is needed when it’s needed. During the Covid-19 pandemic and the onset of the Ukrainian war, the Co. Louth supplier navigated stock shortages to ensure it could keep a steady flow of products to all of its customers.
Furthermore, WBC Plumbing Supplies places a strong emphasis on marketing, targeting new and existing customers with email campaigns, in-store promotions and an active presence on social media platforms.
Opening hours are 7.30am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday and 8am to 5.30pm on Saturdays. As WBC Plumbing Supplies continues to go from strength to strength, the company would like to take this opportunity to thank its clients and suppliers for their continued support as well as its team for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
WBC Plumbing Supplies
North Road,
Drogheda,
Co. Louth,
A92 T20W.
Telephone: 01 200 3004
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.wbcplumbing.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, May 2024, Vol 10 No 5
