H&W Automotive & Hardware Opens
A staple in the local automotive parts industry has officially expanded its footprint near the Village of Antwerp with the grand opening of a full-service Do it Best hardware store, located within the new location of the H&W NAPA Auto Parts operation. The new retail space, which quietly opened its doors on April 14, marks a significant leap forward in the company’s mission to better serve the needs of Antwerp and the surrounding communities.
Spanning nearly 10,000 square feet—with 5,500 of retail floor space and an additional 4,000 square feet of warehouse space—the renovated facility more than triples the company’s previous location size. It now boasts over 100,000 inventory items, up from 30,000 previously, including major national hardware brands like Milwaukee, DeWalt, Black & Decker, and Channellock.
Jared and the H&W team say the move came after Antwerp had been without a dedicated hardware store for several years. With a need in the community and an opportunity for expansion, the timing was perfect. The new location, chosen for its accessibility and warehousing capabilities, allows for easy semi-truck delivery and customer parking—two long-missing features in the area.
“Antwerp had lost both of its hardware stores,” Jared explained. “We saw a chance to step up—not just for our business, but for the good of the town. The community deserves convenient access to quality products.”
The H&W family legacy dates back to the 1940s, when founders Leo Headley and Kenny Wittig returned from WWII and started an auto repair and parts business. Now in its third generation, the company has grown to include five locations across northwest Ohio, including Hicksville, Edgerton, Butler, and Grabill.
The decision to partner with Do it Best, a Fort Wayne-based hardware co-op, was a strategic one. “Ace and True Value wanted exclusivity,” Jared noted. “Do it Best gave us the flexibility to run both NAPA and hardware under one roof while supporting our unique setup.”
In addition to offering hardware essentials, tools, paint mixing, and seasonal items like mulch and water softener salt, the store also supports contractor accounts, online ordering, and local delivery through their NAPA shuttle system.
The business used only local contractors and suppliers for the renovation, including financing through Antwerp Exchange Bank, a point of pride for the H&W team. “Everything about this store is local,” Jared said. “We invested in the community because the community invests in us.”
A grand opening celebration is planned for late May, including prize drawings, food trucks, and special vendor displays.
During the Ribbon Cutting ceremony, Paulding County Economic Development executive director, Tim Copsey, commented, “Let’s take the time to acknowledge the Headley family, Randy, Jared and Brandon, for their dedication and investment into the Antwerp community. NAPA has been a staple business in the community for three generations and this new investment shows they are here for the long haul. Over the past several years, Antwerp went from two hardware stores down to zero, and now back up to one again with this Do It Best brand option.
“Investing into the former K&L Tool facility not only allowed the space for the new hardware but also provided space for an expanded NAPA Automotive parts section. This move and expansion is a real win for the Paulding County economy. Let’s give the Headley’s a round of applause for their efforts.”
The new H&W Hardware & NAPA Auto Parts store is located east of Antwerp on CR 424, previously known as the K&L Tool building, and is open Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
Customers can browse in-store or shop online via Do it Best and select in-store pickup or local delivery at www.doitbest.com, selecting the Antwerp location as their preferred store.
