In 1923, Walter & Len Ponting established their own family business
and named it Ponting’s timber & hardware; they were dedicated
to providing a wide variety of stock with outstanding service. By
1944 all of their children were apart of the store, running true to
the theme ‘family business’. The timber industry proved
to be a profitable enterprise resulting in the family outgrowing the
original Kepler Street store.
In 1954 the fast expanding business was incorporated and there
were ideas to create a larger showroom to handle the demands of
the customer. In 1957 the plans were drawn for that bigger and better
showroom which provided room for the growing stock.
Over the next decade various stages were erected as the demand
continued to grow, the final stage being completed in 1966. Although
this was an exciting year for business it was also a sad one, which
saw one of the Ponting brothers, Len, pass away. The following year
his brother Walter Ponting (Snr) also passed away, which saw the
business handed onto the three sons; Jim, Alex and Walter (Jnr).
Over the next 14 years, the three brothers expanded the business
with some new ideas and in the 1980’s another large extension
was made incorporating the timber yard and a machining shed. Ponting’s
timber and hardware has gone through many changes and expansions
over the years but the original mission statement still stands that
of variety and service.
Our history in Warrnambool and the Western District is long and
to this day the business is strong and viable thanks to the people
of our community with their loyalty and friendship. Supplying timber
and hardware is what we love to do, and in memory of those before
us we have maintained the original showroom and tools and we keep
them on display in the old Kepler Street store, reminiscent of times
gone by.
|
