The Sanbra Group has appointed experienced business leader Ronan Egan as Managing Director of its Hardware Division, which includes Herron & Son (Sligo), Allgrip (John Murphy, Castlerea), John Riddel & Son (Lisburn), and Irish Abrasives, with the change having taken effect since April 2025.
The division serves Hardware and Agri merchants nationwide through the four established wholesale distributors: Herron & Son in Sligo specialises in trusted hardware brands including Herdguard agri and fencing products and Workman long handled tools, and is also now the home of Irish Abrasives distributing Super Quality cutting discs.
business leader Ronan Egan as Managing
Director of its Hardware Division.
John Riddel & Son in Lisburn has served Northern Ireland’s building trade since 1803 with a curated selection of trusted construction materials.
Allgrip (John Murphy) in Castlerea focuses on superior fixings and fasteners.
Hardware Division Director Colum Murphy said “The business chose Ronan because his track record of scaling multi-brand distribution businesses speaks for itself, and his focus on operational discipline and customer service fits the Hardware Division’s growth agenda.”
Ronan led Agri-parts distributor Genfitt (Mayo) Ltd from 2006 until early 2025, steering it through Kramp’s acquisition and a major e-Commerce roll-out. His remit at Sanbra Group’s Hardware Division is to consolidate the four wholesale and distribution businesses and push expansion on both sides of the border.
Ronan welcomed the move, saying “I look forward to working with these well-established businesses that have real heritage in the hardware industry and exciting brands that merchants trust.”
The transition sees Stephen and Colum Murphy move to non-executive board positions, ensuring their decades of market knowledge and supplier relationships remain within the business while Ronan takes charge of day-to-day operations.
The appointment positions the Sanbra Group Hardware Division for continued expansion across Irish markets.
