"I'm nearly 70; already past the retirement age of 65, we just think it's the right time," Rob said.

"I've already worked five extra years; I think it's time we got out and started enjoying ourselves."

"I think we will look to do some travelling, but South West Rocks will always be home; we are not planning to leave the area," Merren said.

When the Brown's first opened their business, South West Rocks was only a sleepy coastal village with a population barely numbering in the thousands.

As time went on, Macleay Glass & Aluminium grew in step with the town, until they were both thriving.

"When the business moved from our first location into the industrial estate, we were only the second building here; now look at it, the place is full," Rob said.

"We started out relatively small, but over the years, we steadily got bigger and bigger, working on larger building developments in South West Rocks, inducing Peter Needs Pharmacy, The Rockpool Motor Inn, the shopping mall, Briner Point, plus work in Kempsey."

"It hasn't all been easy; initially there was a boom, and we were flat out, but during our quieter years, Rob and I had to look at new ways to diversify our business and evolve with the times," Merrren said.

The last few weeks, the Brown's have been packing up their life's work in preparation for the new business that will take their location, which has given them time to reflect on their nearly four decades of living and working in the Macleay.

"It's all been an adventure; we have shared a lot of laughs and met some really great people, I will miss my customers the most," Merren said.

"To all our wonderful customers, employees, and everyone who has supported us over the years, thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

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