After more than five decades, Mount Gambier icon Harris Cabinets have shut their doors as Murray and Wendy Harris look to spend more time with their grandkids.
The cabinet making business was started in 1971 as DI&JE Harris by Murray’s father Des Harris and was originally based in Howland Street.
In 1981, son Murray, then in his 20s, joined the business and the name was changed to Des Harris and Son.
Then, when Mr Harris was 34, he took over the business and the name was changed again to simply Harris Cabinets.
“We moved the premise – we shifted from Howland St out into Pyne Close to be able to expand the business. And then here we are now, 53 years later,” he said.
They have been supported all over the Limestone Coast and the Western Districts of Victoria.
Top quality work and good service is something the team at Harris Cabinets prided themselves on over the years.
“Some of the homes that we’ve done and some of the work that we’ve done over the years give us a real buzz when you’re finished those jobs, and you can see the work that we’ve produced and the work that the staff have produced,” Mr Harris said.
He said there had been many highlights in all the years in the business, including the strong relationship he formed with builders, clients and reps.
“We’ve seen a lot come and go, and then we’ve had some great support from a lot of our builders in Mount Gambier,” he said.
“Really, it’s the relationship you build up with your suppliers, we’ve all got reps that come and visit us from all of our major suppliers.
“It’s good to be able to do repeat work for some families – doing mum and dads and then the sons and daughters.
“You build up relationships with families.”
However the biggest highlight for Mr Harris was getting to work alongside his father.
“Probably the main highlight would be all the years that I worked with my father,” he said
“It’s always been a family business.”
Over the years trends have changed and the team have seen it all – the change in trends, innovative technologies, machinery and new materials.
Now Mr and Mrs Harris are looking forward to enjoying their retirement with their family.
“Over those 53 years, it’s been a good ride, but we’ve got to retirement age now,” Mr Harris said.
“We thought it’s time for us now to step back and enjoy the rest of our lives while we’re still fit.”
“On behalf of the Harris family, we want to sincerely thank everybody who has supported us over the past 53 years.”
