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History 

Robert Price was  established in Abergavenny in 1847, originally as a stone masons and later specialising in monumental works. The main office was situated at Lion Works, Lion Street, Abergavenny where Robert Price lived with his family in the adjoining cottage. His horses and drays were kept at Park Road. An examination of many of the gravestones in churchyards in Monmouthshire will reveal the lettering "R.Price, Abergavenny" carved into their plinths and surrounds.

The  Ebbw Vale branch was opened in about 1870.  Additional small monumental works at Brynmawr, Crickhowell and  Blaenavon were opened by the turn of the century.  Monumental work continued until about 1939 with customers often paying in advance for their tombstones, which would then be inscribed except for the date of death.

Robert Price, grandson of the founder, canvassed local builders to establish support for his idea of opening a builders merchant.  The response to the early marketing exercise was encouraging. With an oral"promise" not to compete as a builder, he started to stock and supply materials to tradesmen in Abergavenny and Ebbw Vale.  Originally stock was limited to basic heavyside building materials and hay for horses.  Now over 20,000 products are stocked. 

    

The Beaver was adopted as the company's corporate identity and has become synonymous with top quality products at nationally competitive prices.

Throughout its history Robert Price has continued to provide a friendly and efficient service.  A commitment to the professional builder and local tradesmen has always been its priority, but now the DIY enthusiast and self builder also represent a very important part of its trade.

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Original deliveries were made by a handcart and interbranch was courtesy of the rear platform of the double-decker bus service between Abergavenny and Ebbw Vale.  A far cry from today's dedicated modern transport fleet and fork lifts which have largely reduced tired limbs and aching muscles.

              

Robert Price Builders' Merchants 1949 Bedford Tipper now spends a more leisurely existence - as an exhibition piece in steam rallies all over the country

For the first 130 years, cash books and journals were carefully maintained by hand but an early recognition of the benefits of computerisation led to the installation of a computer system.  The system has been periodically upgraded and the company now enjoys the latest technology both for accounts and for customers design requirements. 

The head office remains at Abergavenny with seventeen branches from Swansea in the West to Chepstow in the East.  As a result of the expansion the major manufacturers now recognise Robert Price's considerable purchasing power.  Robert Price's directors and specialist product managers are regular contributors on Builders' Merchants Federations committees.