Congleton, Cheshire – MKM Building Supplies, the UK’s proper independent builders’ merchant, will open the doors to its brand-new Congleton branch on Monday 19 January 2026. The new site is MKM’s 137th branch and will create around 18 new jobs for local people, with further growth expected as the branch becomes established.

Leading the new branch is Branch Director Ric Bauer, who brings 30 years of experience in the builders’ merchant industry. Having started his career in the yard before progressing through the trade counter and into senior leadership roles including Head of Building Materials at MKM, Ric has seen every level of the business and knows exactly what it takes to build a successful, customer-first branch.

Ric has lived in nearby Wilmslow for around 15 years and knows Congleton and the surrounding area well. What stands out most to him is the town’s strong sense of community and support for local businesses.

Ric 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.”

The new MKM Congleton branch will bring together a full range of building materials alongside specialist areas including landscaping, plumbing and heating, wood burning and multi-fuel stoves with full flue systems, a huge range of quality treated C16 and C24 timber, a large shop floor and a stunning kitchen and bathroom showroom. The branch is designed to be a true one-stop shop for both trade and retail customers.

Customers will find leading brands such as Marshalls, Brett Martin, Velux, Ideal Standard and Milwaukee, alongside quality local suppliers wherever possible. The site also features an 18,000 sq ft covered warehouse and timber store, keeping materials dry and in top condition throughout the year.

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.”

With strong levels of new-build and renovation activity across the area, Ric expects timber, landscaping and kitchens to be among the most popular product categories from the outset.

Once fully recruited, the Congleton team is expected to bring more than 200 years of combined industry experience. Training sits at the heart of MKM’s culture, ensuring customers receive confident, practical advice every time they visit the branch.

Ric said: “Service is what really sets MKM apart. 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.”

MKM trade customers will benefit from flexible credit terms, personalised pricing and dedicated account management, supported by free local delivery.

Customer experience has been considered in every part of the branch. The kitchen and bathroom showroom will offer a welcoming, hands-on space where customers can explore ideas, create mood boards and work with experienced designers to bring projects to life, while the external landscaping displays will provide immediate inspiration on arrival.

“Our showroom is all about building confidence and ideas,” said Ric. “Whether it’s a full renovation or a small update, we want people to feel inspired, supported and excited about their project.”

Community support will play a central role from day one. MKM Congleton plans to support Ruby’s Fund, Visyon and Friends for Leisure, alongside wider involvement in local sports teams and community initiatives.

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.”

Known for his straight-talking approach and favourite phrase, “Let’s get it sorted,” Ric believes MKM’s practical values will resonate well in Congleton, a town proud of its local food, its independent businesses and its famous Congleton Bears heritage.

Ric summed it up: “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!”

Want to know more about MKM Congeton? Check out our branch page.

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