EXCITING times are ahead for Henderson Hardware as they begin building a yard extension on the vacant plot next door.
The Throssell Street hardware store has been around many years with Ash Stewart buying the business seven years ago.
Mr Stewart said the current yard has been pretty hectic for a while.
"The lay down area just isn't big enough anymore," Mr Stewart said.
"We've had a couple of accidents where cars have run over the steel in the car-park."
Once the yard extension is completed Mr Stewart will be able to increase his steel supply, sell rainwater tanks and is hoping to stock pine posts.
Just being able to have extra lay down space will tidy things up. It will be easier for the cars to park too.
Born and raised in Collie Mr Stewart bought the store to try something different.
After studying for a commerce degree in accounting, finance and marketing at the University of Western Australia he travelled overseas before taking a job at Muja Power Station.
"I worked at Muja for three years but decided I needed a change so when this place went up for sale I jumped at the opportunity." Mr Stewart said.
"I didn't have much hardware experience but I learnt a lot from a lady who had been working at the store for 20 years."
With the expanding yard Henderson hardware is looking to increase the steel range and down the track look at the possibility of a new shed for under cover space.
This will allow the store to stock timber and other materials that need to be kept out of the weather.