About Us

The Front Store is part of a Timaru-based engineering company, ANDAR Holdings Ltd, which started business in 1948.  Originally trading under the name Annett & Darling Ltd, it now operates several diverse divisions employing well over 100 staff in Timaru, Ashburton, Nelson and Melbourne, Australia.

ANDAR's core competiencies are engineering based with design and build capabilities specialising in both mechanical and chemical process solutions.

It's not surprising then, from this strong engineering background, a Retail Division arose.  This occurred due to the large workshop requirement back in Annett & Darling's early years for a workshop store to efficiently service its requirements.  This store was soon utilised not only by the workshop staff but local industry, farming and DIY customers alike.  The external business the store received soon outgrew the workshop store capabilities, so a Back Store for the workshop and a Front Store for external customers was formed.  The Front Store has grown to be the dominant engineering supply company in the South Island and services an active base from the top of the South Island to North Otago, with regular representation throughout the region.

Currently, ANDAR operate five Branches under The Front Store banner.   The Front Store is committed to only representing major brands, which support our business philosophy to offer unequalled service backed by good quality products at competitive prices.