Frelan Hardware, established in 1973, celebrates 50 years in business this October.
Established by Fred Adams and Allan Muggleton, combining their names to make the FRELAN name, they initially worked as sales agents for several companies before becoming stockists and buying their first premises in Stoneleigh.
The business expanded quickly and soon they were importing their own range of ironmongery under the JEDO brand using the combination of their wives’ names Jean and Doris.
Moving to larger premises firstly in Wimbledon and then Sutton they moved
to their current premises in Mitcham in 1998. Frelan is now a third generation family-owned business with Peter Muggleton and Sue Arnold running the business with other family members, and with 36 members of staff, The latest family members to join the company are James Muggleton and Matt Arnold.
James is head of the design team and producing new products as well as dealing with the bespoke range of Ironmongery. Matt is the company’s digital marketing expert who, with Simon Boisson general manager, launched the company’s website in January. A recent recruit to the Frelan team is Paul Wallis who has joined as sales director.
Looking after staff
Many of the staff have been with the company for over 20 years – some as many as 35. “I like to think we look after staff. We do have a good work atmosphere,” says Peter Muggleton, managing director. “We put staff through the GAI Foundation in Hardware, and we have five GAI qualified members of staff with more going through the course, investing in our staff to continually improve our service.”
The company has over 4000 product lines with a large range of levers, accessories and hinges and locks but is best known for its Jedo, Hoxton and Burlington ranges.
It is also launching a new 316 Range. “It has a PVD finish in antique brass,dark bronze, satin brass – replicating all the finishes in the Burlington range but on a base material of stainless steel instead of brass,” says Peter Muggleton. “It’s ideal for settings that need a higher performance and longer lasting finish such as coastal areas.”
Reflecting on the milestone anniversary Peter says: “We have come a long way from that small shop in Stoneleigh to our two warehouses in Mitcham. We continue to develop and improve our products and our services to our customers who have helped us reach this anniversary”
