ATLANTIC Hardware & Plumbing Company Limited has credited the strong performance of its newly established agro-distribution division, combined with continued expansion in its core hardware operations, for helping to drive first-quarter growth for the period ended March 31, 2026.

Managing Director Deanall Barnes, responding to queries from the Jamaica Observer, said the agro-distribution segment contributed approximately $100 million in revenues within just a few months of operation — proving its growth potential from early out.

“Based on projections, we expect the agro division to drive revenue growth by about 15 to 18 per cent for 2026 and approximately 10 per cent in 2027,” Barnes told the Business Observer.

For the three-month period the junior market listed company recorded revenues of $687 million, up 49.5 per cent year over year, while net profit more than tripled to $74.2 million. In its last financial year the company recorded total sales valued at $1.8 billion with a profit of $119 million.

Traditionally a hardware and building supplies distributor, Atlantic officially entered the agro-distribution segment in February after securing distribution rights for a portfolio of agricultural brands including Monsanto RoundUp, Dow AgroSciences Dithane, Pioneer hybrid corn, Newport-Fersan fertiliser, Nutramix feed, Certis Agree, Bellota machetes and files, and Solo spray cans.

The division now supplies fertilisers, pesticides, vegetable seeds, veterinary products, animal feed and home and garden items to more than 150 farms, farm supply stores, veterinary practices, pet shops, and hardware stores islandwide.

As the company positions the division to secure business from public sector agencies and projects, Barnes said Atlantic intends to acquire the requisite designation in the coming months to supply government entities such as the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).

“This new agro-distribution business further broadens Atlantic’s customer base, diversifies its revenue stream, and expands its footprint. The board is excited about the significant opportunities this new business line presents,” Chairman Alexander Marston said in the company’s recent report to shareholders.

Management also credited the company’s quarterly performance to improved product availability, disciplined commercial execution, and stronger purchasing practices, particularly for building materials in the post-Hurricane Melissa period.

“Our hardware division had organic growth through the increased distribution of lumber, lumber products, and roofing materials — primarily zinc sheeting,” Barnes noted.

Founded in 1994, Atlantic currently distributes more than 2,400 hardware and building products across Jamaica and services over 1,000 repeat customers. The company is an authorised distributor for several international brands, including Stanley Black & Decker, Bosch and Generac.

With total assets standing at approximately $1.57 billion at the end of the quarter, the directors said they remain optimistic about sustaining the company’s growth trajectory for the remainder of the financial year.

As part of its growth outlook, Barnes said the company plans to deepen customer relationships, broaden its product portfolio, and improve operational efficiency as part of efforts to maintain momentum.

This, as the business also actively looks to ramp up investment in technology and infrastructure to support future expansion.

“We have been exploring the use of AI to improve efficiencies in order processing, invoicing, and the preparation of customer reports. The company is presently retrofitting its retail space to make it more customer-friendly, and [is also] constructing warehouse space for storage,” Barnes said.

“The company intends to continue targeting government agencies involved in the reconstruction activities even as we continue the diversification of product offerings and widen our customer base for agro products,” he added.

BARNES…based on projections, we expect the agro division to drive revenue growth by about 15 to 18 per cent for 2026 and approximately 10 per cent in 2027