TO maintain a successful company over a period of 130 years is an unbelievable achievement; to retain the same family ownership in a competitive and sometimes aggressive market makes this achievement even more remarkable.

Frank Hedges and Sons Limited has been in the steel fabrication and garden machinery business since 1876, passing control of the firm down through several generations of the Hedges family.

Adapting to the changing needs of customers and modern working practices has not been easy. Dedication of staff and the hard work of every member of the family has ensured that every aspect of the company has kept ahead of the competition. There is a certain amount of extra commitment involved when a company is the lifeblood of a family - this means that the customer care and service clients receive is at a level unattainable by other firms.

The company is still based in Willow Road, employing staff with individual abilities and expertise. The steel fabrication side of the business has two full-time staff, looking after a range of customers from smaller clients to large building firms, steel work and a long-standing partnership with Weaver PLC.

Frank Hedges & Sons is also very proud of the service it provides in the garden machinery side, in particular the after-sales service upholding both manufacturer and in-house guarantees. Both Roy and Lee Hedges are on first-name terms with many of their customers - such a service means that repeat custom and frequent referrals make up a large portion of their trade.

All the firm's new machines are supplied fully assembled and include oil and petrol, as well as the information on how they work. Prices are always competitive, and the parts department is particularly busy with customers able to find everything they need to work on machinery at home -they can also bring the machine in for running repairs. The rarity of the chainsaw-sharpening service and availability of replacement chains draws clients from a wide area.

Company

Frank Hedges & Sons Ltd

Willow Road, Bromsgrove, Worcs. B61 8PU

Business Type

Garden Machinery Sales & Service, Builders Iron & Steel Fabrication

Telephone

01527 831047