ONE of the country's most established suppliers of industrial clothing and equipment, Fasco, is to open its first store selling directly to trade and the public and it has plans to expand the retail venture.
Fasco Extra will open its doors in Stirling next month, selling a range of products from power tools to Dr Martens boots, priced from 50p to £2,000.
Fasco was bought by engineering company Scott Group from entrepreneur John Quinn in 2007 and its t
urnover has since grown from under £10 million to £12m. John Scott, chief executive of Scott Group, said the target is to hit £20m within 18 months.
Fasco, headquartered in Grangemouth, has around 2,000 trade customers across the UK, but until now they have only been able to buy products from company sales representatives, by e-mail or over the phone. The new store will stock Fasco-branded boots and gloves alongside workwear clothing brands, such as Helly Hansen, Regatta and Dickies.
The firm is also launching its first website allowing it to sell products online as part of its plans to widen its distribution.
Scott said a six-figure sum has been invested in Fasco Extra. Although the first store is on Springkerse Industrial Estate, Scott does not rule out high-street branches being opened in the future.
Scott said: "We have high expectations for Fasco Extra and a pretty open mind. Stirling is the test and if it's successful, we'll replicate the model. There could be a number of stores across Scotland and England."
Fasco sells products to all tradesmen, such as plumbers and electricians, and Scott said he does not know of any rivals, including B&Q and Screwfix, which offer as comprehensive a range. "There isn't anyone else who sells it all," he said.
Scott Group is also continuing to expand, with Scott saying further acquisitions are being looked at. The group has a turnover of £100m and delivered profits of £2.8m in the year to December 2008.
