Handy's Company History

From a simple concept, proposed as early as 1954, came the shape of things to come - a group of independent retailers who would be capable of taking their purchasing into their own hands, and give themselves options. Originally founded by 13 independent Houston area hardware retailes, some of whom are still in business today, Handy began small, and grew into a cohesive group of 19 by the end of 1961.

During the next 20 years, Handy's membership would grow to nearly 300, and from 1981 to 2004, to over 1,100 members in nine states and several Central American countries. In 1987, the company began working on a long-range expansion project that would last 12 years, and would grow the distribution center in Houston from 100,000 square feet to 560,000 square feet in 2001. This distribution center, with over ten acres under roof, is state-of-the-art, and was carefully designed to accomodate our member's needs in the decades ahead. Handy's membership continues to grow and a second warehouse facility covering 468,000 sq ft, has been constructed in Meridian, MS. This facility will help our expansion across the whole southeast region of the United States. The warehouse is operational and shipping to members from this location will begin in december 2010.

We are proud of our roots, and proud of who we are today. Thanks to the far-reaching vision of a few, and under the guidance and management of many forward-thinking individuals over the years, Handy Hardware has become the major dealer buying group in the South-Central United States.