Ridgeons has opened the third branch of its new PlumbStock heating and plumbing brand in Diss, Norfolk.

The 100-year-old Cambridgeshire business has added the new PlumbStock brand to its Group of companies, with the first branches now open inside existing Ridgeons outlets in Hitchin and St Neots.

Spearheaded by head of plumbing, heating and sanitaryware (PHS), Pete Diamant, the new PlumbStock brand is aimed at plumbing and heating engineers and is designed to complement the Ridgeons Group's existing builders' merchant offering.

The PlumbStock network will offer an even greater presence within existing Ridgeons stores and follows a long-term plan of creating a branch network of over 40 PlumbStock-branded sites by the end of 2018. This expansion would create as many as 120 new jobs across the East of England.

Mr Diamant said: "The PlumbStock brand has had a fantastic start and, with these three branches already open, we're very excited to launch standalone stores next year. The launch of PlumbStock now means we have a dedicated brand within the Ridgeon Group that is going to resonate with the heating and plumbing market and uses a brand name that clearly indicates our commitment to stock availability.

"The aim for PlumbStock is that it will become the largest independent in the region and be the merchant of choice for the plumbing and heating trade. Our USPs are service, location and stock availability, plus, we'll be going the extra mile with a few innovative touches in branch."

The new PlumbStock branch in Diss is located on Victoria Road, open Monday to Friday 7am - 5pm and Saturday 8am - 12pm.