A large building supplies depot in Plymouth has shut its doors, with potential job losses following a downturn in business for its parent company. The local RGB Building Supplies outlet was closed as a strategic move to safeguard the wider operations of the company, which maintains an additional 21 branches throughout Devon and Cornwall.
RGB is a subsidiary of the extensive national conglomerate Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG), having been taken over in 2022. Sources disclosed to PlymouthLive that up to 14 positions could be jeopardized, but the firm has indicated that the consultation process has been instrumental in lessening the blow for employees, who are receiving continued support.
The now-defunct Plymouth division was located at Huxley Close within Newnham Industrial Estate in Plympton. An announcement on the RGB Plymouth Facebook page confirmed the closure, issuing an apology to those inconvenienced by the shutdown and expressing gratitude for longstanding loyalty and patronage.
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The statement clarified that nearby branches including those in Launceston, Saltash, Paignton, and Torquay will cater to the needs of customers in the vicinity.
An RGB spokesperson said: "RGB can confirm that its Plymouth branch ceased trading at the close of business on April 30. This decision was not taken lightly, and every effort was made to ensure a smooth transition for all those impacted," reports .
They added: "A comprehensive consultation process with our colleagues at the Plymouth branch has helped to minimize the impact on the local team. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and contributions to RGB, and we remain committed to supporting them during this period."
The spokesperson said the closure in Plymouth came "after a sustained period of challenging trading conditions, requiring difficult but necessary decisions to ensure the continued stability of the overall business".
They added: "RGB remains steadfast in its commitment to our colleagues, customers and communities throughout Devon and Cornwall. We thank our Plymouth customers for their loyalty over the years and look forward to continuing to serve them via our other locations."
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Based in Barnstaple, RGB is a provider of building materials for both trade and retail customers. The company's product range spans landscaping, plumbing and heating, heavy side and light side, decorating and general building materials, as well as kitchen, bathroom and bedroom showrooms.
Describing itself as "one of the leading independent builders' merchants in the South West", RGB was established in 1850 and maintains that "community focus is at the heart of what we do".
Three years ago, RGB was bought by IBMG, the same year that South West electrical distributor Devondale was also acquired by IBMG, the largest building materials distributor in the south of England. Formed through more than 20 acquisitions since 2018, IBMG has kept many of the brands, such as RGB, but operates as a unified company under a single management team.
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