GR Mitchell, Inc. announced that it is acquiring Ironstone Building Materials, a local favorite for both homeowners and construction professionals seeking the best deals on building materials. After months of preparation, the contract between the two independent building material dealers is complete.
From its Elizabethtown beginnings in 2000, Dave O’Connor’s auction-flipping hobby-turned-business grew in size and popularity, culminating with the brand Ironstone Building Materials becoming synonymous with special deals on quality building materials. With a focus on decking, railing, doors, cabinetry, and trim, Ironstone found its permanent home on Hempland Road in Lancaster in 2011, and achieved recognition across state lines into Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and more.
Years later as Dave approached retirement, a succession plan for the business emerged from a familiar place. Dave’s son, Jesse, attended high school with the current owner of GR Mitchell, Tom Keller. When approached by Jesse, Tom jokingly responded with a chuckle and directive to “Just leave the keys under the mat.” Those casual conversations quickly turned into potential for 2 of the last independent players in the local building supply industry to come together as 1.
Ironstone’s name and reputation as the most budget-friendly supplier in the region will go unchanged, as will the staff who all are staying on-board. But, the combined buying power of these two leading suppliers has caught the attention of the nation’s largest manufacturers, whose unique buying programs will be extended to customers of both entities.
About GR Mitchell, Inc
While the company’s history extends back to the 1800’s, GR Mitchell incorporated in 1969 and has been serving Lancaster’s homeowners and builders since. With its roots firmly in the lumber industry, today they’re best known as the region’s preferred supplier of lumber, windows, doors, cabinetry, custom millwork, hardware, and more. For additional information, visit GRMitchell.com.
