By SUSAN BERG

Managing editor

Poising itself for the future, The Lumberyard in Hillsboro is taking steps to assure it has continued status as an anchor business in the community with the ultimate goal of providing one-stop shopping for homeowners and contractors.

The 125-year-old business simply outgrew its primary location, at the corner of Ash and Grand streets. Using an existing building on the property, just north of the original building, The Lumberyard improved it and added the necessary amenities for expansion.

“We’ve tripled our inventory,” said Katherine DeFillippis, office manager, completing Phase I of the expansion project.

A full line of 3M products are available in addition to an expanded lawn and garden center, automotive, tools, generators, patio heaters, birdseed — whatever customers may want. And of course, the business continues to provide a full line of lumber and is looking to expand.

“We try to meet the needs and go the extra mile to satisfy customers,” DeFillippis said. “We pride ourselves on our customer service skills.

Since there’s a Phase I, there must be a Phase II, and there is, which is still in the works. It will be a kitchen and bath design center and will be located in the original main building.

“We will have a full line of cabinetry and bathroom fixtures,” DeFillippis said.

Focusing on its customers, DeFillippis said a reception area has been created in the new store for choosing paints with the availability of a computer and coffee.

“The coffee pot is always on,” she said, indicating customer comfort is important.

The new store opened in December, just in time for the holidays but the plans have always been clear.

“(Owner) Jon (Hefley,) has always wanted to grow and expand,” DeFillippis said. “He wants to meet all the needs of basic remodeling and repair.”

Plans also include a blueprint specialist who can draw blueprints for builders.

Basic art supplies and office supplies will be available.

If The Lumberyard doesn’t have what a customer wants, personnel is willing to order it from a large group of wholesalers.

“We want our customers to be able to build a house from the bottom up,” DeFillippis said, “and we’ll do whatever we can to help them do it.”