Caledon’s BOLTS Plus dominates in its niche market

Written By MARK PAVILONS

Recently, Brian and Glenn Wood, Shawn Innis and Jay Mason proudly celebrated the grand opening of their 14th location of BOLTS Plus in their home town.

The nucleus of BOLTS Plus is a group of four energetic partners (Brian and Glenn Wood, Shawn Innis and Jay Mason). Their association stretches back to growing up in Caledon. Coincidentally, following graduation they all worked in the industrial and fastener market.

BOLTS Plus was founded in October 2003 and opened its first location in Brampton March of 2004.

In just 15 short years, BOLTS Plus has passed two major milestones. They've introduced their one-stop retail-style concept to thousands of local industrial supply customers and experienced our expansions.

They now have outlets in 14 locations across southern Ontario, and have quickly established themselves as a single-source supplier for everything from hard-to-find fasteners and safety supplies, to industrial maintenance products and tools.

The store concept is a one-stop source. They are committed to stocking the entire line of the suppliers we represent. It means they have product in stock when it's needed, and often that's a hard to find size or other item that most businesses like theirs don't carry; things like 16” long bolts, or left-hand threads.

Most companies are structured to work on a “Just-In-Time” basis, which makes timing even more important than in the past. With strict cost controls and the challenges to make every shift profitable, break-downs and delays can have notably negative effects on a manufacturer's bottom line. They know the importance of meeting needs and we know it's crucial to do it in a time frame that makes a difference.

Maintaining their stature as a single-source, full-service means that new items are constantly arriving. Today, all BOLTS Plus locations offer everything from abrasives, adhesives and lubricants, to several grades of chain, safety supplies, tools and work lights, to hand cleaners, flashlights and springs – and of course screws, washers, nuts, and bolts.

The management group at BOLTS Plus has a combined total of more than 200 years of experience and each brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the industry.

Staying in touch with what's happening in the industry is another benchmark of the management style at BOLTS Plus. Regular visits to trade shows throughout North America to see new products and catch trends is only a part of the planning that goes into a constantly expanding and often changing line of products.

The entire crew at BOLTS Plus, which has now grown to over 95 people, is dedicated to a high level of service and the desire to ensure the customer is happy.

“We pride ourselves on having answers when they're needed. With a daily delivery service and a large selection of products.

“We thrive on service. When you dial our number, the phone will be answered by someone who is helpful and knowledgeable, not an automated system. We like to be available to answer questions and make suggestions. In the rare case that we don't have what a customer needs, we're happy to source it for them and get it to them as quickly as possible.”

They have the luxury of seeing new items at trade shows and get samples from suppliers. Without these events their customers often wouldn't see these new products in the store until months later. This way they can touch and try things upfront.

BOLTS Plus is located at 8800 George Bolton Parkway. For more, visit https://boltsplus.ca