A national builders' merchant is coming to Congleton.

MKM Building Supplies is to open the doors to its 137th branch on Monday, January 19.

The new Congleton showroom, located at Viking Park, will create 18 jobs for local people, with further growth expected as the branch becomes established.

Branch director Ric Bauer, who has lived in nearby Wilmslow for over 15 years, said: "Congleton has a brilliant community spirit.

"People look out for one another, they're proud of where they live, and they genuinely care about supporting local businesses.

"That really matters to me and it aligns perfectly with how MKM works.

"We're not here to be just another merchant.

"We're here to become part of the community and to properly support local trade and homeowners.

"MKM Congleton will be about great people, great service and great products. It really is as simple as that. We're excited to open the doors to the Congleton community – come and see us!"

The Congleton branch will be MKM's 137th (Credit: MKM)

Ric brings over 30 years of experience in the builders' merchant industry to the role.

He started his career in the yard before progressing through the trade counter and into senior leadership roles, including head of building materials at MKM.

Spread over 18,000 sq ft, the new Congleton branch will feature a full range of building materials alongside specialist areas including landscaping, plumbing and heating as well as a kitchen and bathroom showroom.

It will also stock a range of leading brands, such as Marshalls, Brett Martin, Velux, Ideal Standard and Milwaukee.

Ric added: "If our customers need it, we'll stock it. Simple as that.

"We'll be listening to local trades from day one and shaping our stock around what people actually use. That's the benefit of being locally run.

"We're flexible and we can respond quickly rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach."

MKM takes over one of the units at Viking Park (Credit: Clowes Developments)

Once fully recruited, the Congleton team is expected to bring more than 200 years of combined industry experience.

"Service is what really sets MKM apart," Ric said.

"Every customer will have a personal point of contact and decisions are made here in Congleton, not at head office. That means we can react quickly, solve problems fast and always do what's right for our customers.

"Our showroom is all about building confidence and ideas.

"Whether it's a full renovation or a small update, we want people to feel inspired, supported and excited about their project."

As part of its efforts to benefit the wider community, MKM Congleton plans to support local charities, Ruby's Fund, Visyon and Friends for Leisure.

Ric said: "We want to be more than just a merchant. We want to be a trusted local partner. Somewhere people can come for advice, support and a friendly face.

"We're here to build lasting relationships and to give something back to the community that supports us."