This month, the Sanbra Group Hardware Division paused to celebrate something truly special: seven team members who have dedicated significant portions of their careers to the company. Collectively representing 175 years of service across Herron & Son, Riddel & Son, and Allgrip, the milestone recognitions saw three employees reach 30 years of service, two mark 25 years, one celebrates 20 years, and another complete 15 years.
The honoured employees are Adrian Walker (30 years), Charles Swanick (30 years), Liz McMullan (30 years), Heather Swanick (25 years), Lorraine McKeague (25 years), Orla Fleming (20 years), and Francis O’Beirne (15 years).
Building the Business Heritage
These individuals aren’t just part of the company’s history; they helped write it. The business as it stands today has been built on the foundation of their hard work and expertise. Over the decades, their contributions have steered the Hardware Division through challenges and driven growth. They carry the history of how we work, how we serve customers, and how we handle challenges,” the company stated in announcing the recognitions.
A Testament to Culture
In today’s world, where longevity in employment is increasingly rare, seeing colleagues dedicate 15, 20, 25 and even 30 years to a company represents something significant. For Sanbra Group’s Hardware Division, it stands as testament to the culture that has been built, a place where people are valued, supported, and encouraged to grow throughout their careers.
The depth of institutional knowledge these seven employees bring has proven invaluable, providing continuity in customer service and operational expertise that can only come from decades of hands-on experience in the hardware and building supplies sector.
The Hardware Division’s celebration of these milestones reflects both an acknowledgment of individual contributions and recognition that the business today stands on the work these team members have done over decades. Their combined experience is a key strength in an industry where understanding customer needs and maintaining strong relationships remains fundamental to success.
The Sanbra Group Hardware division serves hardware and agri merchants nationwide through the three
established wholesale distributors: Herron & Son in Sligo specialises in trusted hardware brands including Herdguard agri and fencing products, Workman long handled tools, and is also now the home of Irish Abrasives distributing Super Quality cutting discs. 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.
