Experienced local team stays in place as investment brings more products, choice and new opportunities for customers across the south coast.
MKM Building Supplies, the UK's leading builders' merchant, has acquired the builders' merchant business of New Milton Sand & Ballast (NMSB), creating MKM New Milton and strengthening its presence across the south coast.
The acquisition sees the builders' merchant business join MKM's growing family of independent branches, taking the total to 149, including HVAC specialist distributor Oceanair.
For customers, it's business as usual, with the same experienced team, the same friendly service and the same local knowledge they've relied on for years. Over time, they'll also benefit from a much wider range of products, bigger stockholding and investment that will transform the current business.
The branch will be led by Matt Lock and Richard Froggett, who have both been part of the NMSB business for several years and will become Branch Directors of MKM New Milton.
Branch Director Matt Lock said: "When I joined nine years ago, I could see what this business could become. We had a great customer base, a brilliant team and a fantastic reputation, but we couldn't always offer customers everything they needed.
"Becoming part of MKM means we can finally make that happen. We'll have the backing to invest in the branch, increase our stock and give customers a much bigger choice, while keeping everything that's always made this business special.
"The people are the biggest part of that. Our team has decades of experience between them, they know our customers and they genuinely care about looking after them. We've also always been proud to support local clubs, organisations, and community projects, and that's something we'll continue to do."
Branch Director Richard Froggett said: "I've worked in the merchanting industry for more than 40 years and one thing has never changed: people buy from people.
"We've already got a fantastic team and loyal customers. Now we've got the opportunity to build on that by bringing in more products, more stock and more specialist ranges, so customers can get everything they need from one place.
"It's a really exciting opportunity, and I think customers are going to see a real difference over the next few months."
MKM is already planning the next phase of investment in the branch. Once complete, MKM New Milton will boast 12,500 square feet of warehouse, retail and trade counter space, with increased stockholding and an expanded range across building materials, timber, plumbing and heating, kitchens and bathrooms.
The existing team will remain in place, and the business also expects to create new jobs as the branch continues to grow.
Kate Tinsley, CEO at MKM Building Supplies, said: "We're really pleased to welcome Matt, Richard and the rest of the team to MKM. They've built a business with a great reputation, strong customer relationships and a team that really knows its local market. That's exactly the kind of business we look for.
"What stood out to us was the way they do business. They're customer-focused, proud of their local reputation and passionate about supporting the communities they serve. That's a great fit with the MKM way.
Matt and Richard have a clear vision for where they want to take the business, and we're delighted MKM can help make that happen. We're looking forward to investing in the branch and seeing MKM New Milton grow."
