Heat Merchants Group has announced that it will open nine new branches over the next three years, along with four Tubs & Tiles showrooms.

Heat Merchants Group, the largest suppliers of heating, plumbing and home improvement materials to the professional and retail markets in Ireland, made the announcement today, 08 May.

The new openings are part of its €4 million investment that will create up to 75 new jobs. The branch network will increase to 56 throughout the country and its total workforce to 358.

It is also expanding its central distribution and business support centre in Athlone with the addition of an extra 20,000 square feet of warehousing, which will extend its capacity to service its expanded branch network.

Announcing its investment and expansion plans, Heat Merchants Group Managing Director, Alan Hogan said: "Today's announcement marks an exciting next phase in our growth strategy which has been a key driver for the business over the last 5 years. We are focused on providing an excellent service to our customers in both the construction and retail segments. Our new branches will be situated in locations that will offer convenience and expert advice and service to our customers, reducing their travel times to pick up vital products or spare parts wherever they are working.

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"In responding to the changes in building regulations and legislation within the industry, and the huge advancements in technology available to the heating industry, our management team recognised the need to innovate in extending the range of support services available to customers at Heat Merchants. This has resulted in the provision of a design service and advice to customers through the unique Heat Merchants 'Design Hub' which has a technical team of engineers and designers bringing the latest innovations in heating and construction to our customers, providing an array of vital services including technical design, commissioning, certification, installer training and after sales support."

Mr Hogan added: "Our investments in the network, our people, an extended range of services and, undoubtedly, a buoyant market have resulted in the group delivering consistently high operating and financial performance which creates the platform for the next phase of growth."

(CM)