Builders merchant MKM is opening four new sites in the South West of England and Wales. The independent firm, which sells building materials and supplies to traders and the public, said the new outlets in Plymouth, Bridgend, Bangor, and Cheltenham would create 74 jobs.

The branches are opening throughout February and include kitchen and bathroom showrooms, and landscaping displays. The outlets will stock a range of national brands and will also be giving out free hot drinks to customers.

The Plymouth branch, which opened on Monday (February 3), is the first new builders鈥 merchant in the city for more than two decades. The outlet is being headed up by directors Mike Kerslake and Simon Channings, and has a 16,000-square-foot drive-thru timber facility. The branch has already pledged support for Plymouth Argyle Community Trust as its charity partner, alongside grassroots teams including Parkway FC and Tamar Saracens.

Mr Channings said: 鈥淧lymouth has been ready for a fresh approach to builders鈥 merchants, and we鈥檙e delivering just that. Whether you鈥檙e a trade professional or tackling a DIY project, we鈥檙e here to support you.鈥

MKM Bridgend will open on February 10, creating 18 jobs. The branch is being led by Shaun Cox and Jonathan Thomas, and has agreed partnerships with Prostate Cymru, Sandville and The OddBalls Foundation.

Mr Cox said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e not just here to sell materials; we鈥檙e here to build relationships, support local initiatives, and set the benchmark for customer service in Bridgend.鈥

Meanwhile, MKM Bangor is opening on February 17 and MKM Cheltenham on February 24. The Gloucestershire branch is the first MKM store to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, with its solar panels, air-source heat pumps, electric vehicle chargers, and LED lighting.

Jamie Cole, who will lead the Cheltenham branch alongside Dave McCombie, said: 鈥淲e want to bring back the feel-good factor to the building trade, offering a level of service that national merchants have lost touch with. Cheltenham deserves a merchant that truly cares about its customers and community.鈥

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