Welsh building giant creates jobs with new 8,700 sq ft site and showroom

A GIANT of the building trade continued its flying start to the year by opening a new branch on land which has lain empty for years.

The 8,700 square foot Huws Gray store and showroom in Whitchurch is already proving popular with the public and trade customers.

The three-acre base at Waymills was built from the ground up and features loading bays, exclusive lines and a top-quality kitchen, flooring and bathroom display area.

Manager Gavin Martin says there was great demand for another Huws Gray outlet in the region, to complement nearby sites in Wrexham and Shrewsbury.

Employing eight staff, he says they have big plans for the future and will expand the business over time.

“The first few weeks here have been absolutely fantastic, the response from the general public and local builders and trades has been so positive,” said Gavin.

“They are really impressed with the offering and the layout, and the feedback is that Whitchurch has needed a store like this for a very long time.

“There is demand and this is a big catchment area, so we look forward to welcoming people in the months ahead.”

Now employing 1,800 staff at more than 100 sites across the UK, the Llangefni-based builders’ merchants has had a successful 12 months, acquiring Ridgeons – which had 40 branches across East Anglia – and holding a GIANT trade event in Colwyn Bay which was attended by more than 1,500 people.

Gavin, who began his 14-year career with Huws Gray as a counter sales assistant in Wrexham, believes the company ethos of supporting and promoting employees from within has helped to instil a culture of goodwill and hard work.

“I started out working on the shop floor and am now managing this new store, which is testament to the support and training I’ve been given during my time with the business,” said Gavin, former manager of the Ruthin outlet.

“I’ve worked my way up and saw this opportunity, so I’m absolutely delighted to be in this new position and look forward to many years here in Whitchurch.”

He added: “As well as top brands such as Velux, Ox, Makita and Dickies, we are one of only a select number of branches that supplies the Farrow and Ball range, an industry leading collection of paints and wallpaper.

“That’s one of several partnerships we have with top names in the trade sector, and a real selling point for the Whitchurch branch.”

As Huws Gray continues to expand, create jobs and support the economy, Managing Director Terry Owen says the organisation will remain committed to the development of its workforce.

“Gavin is a fantastic example of how Huws Gray trains and develops its employees from the very beginning,” he said.

“The staff are at the heart of everything we do, so promoting from within is very important to the company, providing opportunities for people to grow in tandem with the business.

“We congratulate Gavin on this new role and know he and the team will continue the Huws Gray tradition of top-class customer service and going above and beyond for our customers.

“The personal touch is what sets us apart from the rest, and that will always be our priority.”

For more information on the new Huws Gray store in Whitchurch, visit the website www.huwsgray.co.uk or call 01948 258303.