Company History

Operating from our sole facility of 20,000 square feet, Mansfield Hardware & Supply Co. has resisted the mergence of big box stores and national chains, and kept the business closely held. We have remained in downtown Mansfield through an ever-changing and challenging business environment.

Since our incorporation on August 14, 1940, MHS has grown from serving construction and contractors to serving primarily commercial and industrial accounts. In conjunction with celebrating our 70th year, we have changed our name to MHS Industrial Supply to better reflect our true business focus.

Our success has been largely attributed to our broad product range and willingness to go the extra mile to service our customers and fulfill their every need.

Charles R. Underhill opened Mansfield Hardware & Supply in 1940 at 70 N. Foster St., the hub of activity for manufacturing and construction. We quickly earned the reputation of only selling quality products. In 1945, after returning from WWII, Joseph H. Miller joined the staff of MHS. In 1974, after Mr. Underhill’s death, he became the president and owner until his retirement in 1983.

In 1975, Philip S. Downs became involved full time and has consistently maintained the reputation of quality products and unexcelled personal service. He currently serves as the President and Treasurer of the corporation, with his wife, Ann Downs, as Vice-President, Secretary, and outside Sales Representative.

Our co-op program provides us with access to a large inventory, supported by 12 distribution centers, providing hundreds of thousands of name brand products through an integrated system of ordering, sourcing, and shipping. This gives us the unique ability to source any and all items needed with just one phone call.

With a combined experience of over 90 years, our staff is the
most knowledgeable in the area. Along with the ability to advise our customers at their location, we offer services such as free delivery, same day delivery, tool repair, sales samples, and vendor support.

Our name recognition in our marketplace is strong due to our long lasting reputation of providing quality products with quality service.