A STALWART of the plumbing and gas industry in the Wangaratta area since 1926, Harrison's Plumbing closed the doors to their Rowan Street business for the last time earlier this month.
Started by J.E.L. (Jack) Harrison in Ely Street, Harrison's Plumbing began manufacturing water tanks and sheet metal items for use in the home.
The business moved to Ovens Street in 1948 (where the Woolworths carpark now is).
Jack's son John began in the business in 1972 as a plumbing apprentice.
In 1978, the business moved to 49 Rowan Street and over the years grew to include up to 20 plumbers on staff working on commercial contracts for hospitals and schools, maintaining their private customer needs as well.
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In the 1990s they became the Gasmart (now Origin Energy) agent where customers could pay their gas bills and organise for their new appliances to be installed.
Harrison's Plumbing were the Department of Human Services general servicing plumbing contractor for many years.
During the expansion of the natural gas pipeline to Murray Valley towns, the installation of gasfitting lines and appliances was completed in Chiltern, Rutherglen, Yarrawonga, Tangambalanga and surrounds.
Pool water testing, servicing and repairs were also added to their list of offerings.
The third generation of Harrison family plumbers/gasfitters joined the business 1998.
In 2001 the business moved to its current location at 51 Rowan Street.
A gas bottle refilling station and home bottle delivery service was added.
Harrison's became a service contractor for the repairs of Zip Water boiling and chiller units which they carried out throughout the North East of Victoria.
The showroom had a display of gas and electric cooking appliances, wood stoves and heaters, electric, gas and solar hot water systems.
"We would like to thank all our staff and customers for their support and loyalty over the years," John and Sally Harrison said.
Garry Nash and Co. Real Estate has been instructed by Harrison's Plumbing to rationalise more than 1000 lots of all complete plant, equipment, plumbing fittings, trailers, forklift plus sundry office goods and some collectables on the long-established business.
Auctioneer and director, Garry Nash, said this is a sad process to see a long serving medium to small family businesses needing to make a tough decision to rationalise everything.
"In many instances this occurs when we see a reluctance of people not being prepared to take up the challenge to continue on, purchase and run businesses," Mr Nash said.
"Harrison's Plumbing have conducted an exceptional and professional business serving the Rural City of Wangaratta and beyond for some 98 years."
The sale includes a number of older antique pieces of equipment being offered.
Potential buyers can view all these items online -https://oa.garrynash.com.au/#!/auctions/1042ccc8-edd8-45e0-8db5-22ece39beaf1?ic=30 or view in person this coming Saturday, 29 March from 9am to 12.30pm at 51 Rowan St Wangaratta.
Bidding commences on Thursday, 27 March at 10am.
