About us
Where we came from...
Macnaughton Blair was established in January 1973 through the merger of two prominent Northern Irish companies: Norman Macnaughton and Son's Ltd and Joseph Blair Ltd. Norman Macnaughton and Son's Ltd, a builders’ and plumbers’ merchant, was founded in May 1908 and became part of Blue Circle Cement in the 1920s. Joseph Blair Ltd, a hardware and ironmongery provider, was established in September 1907 and was also acquired by Blue Circle Cement in 1973.
The newly formed Macnaughton Blair set up its operations on the Boucher Road in Belfast, where it continues to operate today. In August 1989, Macnaughton Blair was acquired by Grafton Group plc, marking one of Grafton's initial acquisitions in the UK. The merchanting business underwent a significant rebrand in 2016 and is now known as MacBlair, operating a network of 20 branches, which include recent acquisitions P McDermott & Sons, Omagh and B McNamee’s, Strabane.
Macnaughton Blair has strengthened its portfolio through their specialist divisions, which include Watershed Bathrooms, operating from six locations in Northern Ireland, Doorways, a specialist door business based in Belfast, and Wood Floor Warehouse, which trades from three locations in Northern Ireland and mainland UK.
Where we are now...
MacBlair currently operates 19 branches across the province, equipped with a comprehensive fleet of delivery and service vehicles. With a dedicated team of over 400 fully trained and experienced staff, MacBlair has established itself as one of the leading suppliers of building materials to the construction, self-build, and DIY sectors in Northern Ireland.
What MacBlair can offer...
MacBlair Civils, located at our Belfast Boucher branch, supplies a comprehensive range of civil and environmental protection products to the civil engineering and construction industries. Our expert team, including on-site specialists, covers all aspects of civil engineering and construction.
MacBlair Plumbing offers a full spectrum of plumbing products and our experienced team are well equipped to provide in-depth advice covering the full range of plumbing and heating products.
MacBlair Paint has a specialist branch at York Road which caters to both trade professionals and the general public. We offer solutions for all types of paint requirements, and an extended range of paint and mixing services is available at most of our branches.
Additionally, our luxury bathroom showrooms, known as Watershed, can be found within our Antrim, Bangor, Belfast Boucher, Coleraine, Eglinton, and Larne branches. The Watershed design team uses unique 3D bathroom design software to personalise every aspect of your dream bathroom.
Why Choose MacBlair?
MacBlair has strategically positioned itself as an excellent choice for both aspiring self-builders and seasoned trade professionals. With a history dating back to the early 1900s, we have been an integral part of Northern Ireland’s construction industry, and our legacy remains strong.
Our greatest asset is our staff. With over 400 well-trained individuals, including on-site specialists and seasoned veterans, spread across our 19 branches, you can rely on MacBlair to consistently deliver reliable service.
