ZELIENOPLE - Jennie Davison and Tim Post are passionate about hardware.

So much so that they are overseeing a $500,000 renovation of their T&M Hardware and Rental.

Fueling the investment was a decision to switch alliances from TruServe, formerly True Value, to Do It Best, the second largest hardware co-op in the country, with $2.44 billion in sales in 2003, and more than 4,300 stores worldwide.

Post said a major reason for the shift is the ability of the Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Do It Best to provide lower wholesale prices, which can be passed to customers.

"We are definitely going to be competitive," he said.

Over the next year, he said, the number of items offered at the Northgate Plaza outlet will increase by 20 percent, from about 24,000 to 30,000. Also the interior of the 15,000 square-foot store will undergo extensive modifications, including new flooring and ceiling tiles.

Displays have been changed to appeal to professional contractors and female shoppers, and equipment tailored for industrial projects will be available.

The store has 10 employees.

Davison, who has been in the hardware business for 29 years, said the Zelienople store offers customer service that larger chains cannot.

"We know most of our customers by name," she said.

As part of their expansion plan, Davison and Post have stocked more rental equipment, including forklifts, bobcats, automotive and party supplies.

Post said the company's pick-up and delivery services are key to developing service in its rental business.

"In the world right now, we're a service country," Post said.

Post also owns a hardware outlet in Ellwood City.