MKM Building Supplies (MKM) will open its 130th branch in Rotherham on 2 September, and will create 18 new jobs in the process.
MKM Rotherham will be led by Branch Directors Ryan Brooks and Jack Griffiths, both lifelong residents of South Yorkshire who bring a combined experience of over 35 years from some of the UK’s largest merchants.
Sitting on an 86,000 square feet site, the new branch benefits from a large, covered area, ensuring key products like timber, bricks, and aggregates are stored under cover and the trade can get loaded without getting wet.
In addition to the extensive product range, the branch will offer specialist services such as a sheet cutting service and plumbing and heating expertise. The team has a collective merchanting experience of over 130 years and provides both trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts with knowledgeable advice and support.
Beyond product offerings, MKM Rotherham will have a dedicated customer area with free tea and coffee and where customers can grab a bite to eat and take a break. As Ryan Brooks puts it, “We want our branch to be more than just a place to buy materials. It’s a place where our customers can pop in for a chat, recharge and get some knowledgeable advice on build challenges they’re facing.”
In addition to supporting Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, the branch is looking to get involved in grassroots sports and other local initiatives, ensuring that their presence in Rotherham extends beyond just being a business.
Brooks said: “The opportunity to lead MKM Rotherham and create jobs in my hometown feels incredible. I’m proud to be from Yorkshire, and as a community Rotherham is still small enough to know and care about the people that live here.
“MKM is renowned for its commitment to supporting local charities and communities and I think for the first time Rotherham will have a merchant that genuinely wants to be involved and help at a local level. I’ve worked at other merchants that have done good work with charities, but due to the size of the merchant it has always been bigger, national causes.
“We want Rotherham to feel the benefit at home. We’re not just here to provide building materials; we’re here to be a part of the community. We’ve already started building relationships with local charities like Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, and are eager to explore more ways to give back to the town that means so much to us.
“I also want to be the first person that people think of when they’ve got a building project, I can’t wait to start seeing our bags pop up, knowing that we have supplied that site.”
Griffiths, who has spent his entire career in Rotherham’s building merchant sector, echoed Brooks, saying: “For me, this branch is about more than just business; it’s about creating something from the ground up that genuinely serves the people of Rotherham.
“Our team is made up of local people who understand the needs of local customers, and we’re committed to delivering a personal, community-focused service.”
Brooks concluded: “We want every customer, whether they’re a seasoned contractor or a first-time DIYer, to feel welcomed and supported. Our team is ready to provide expert advice, competitive pricing, and a MKM VIP experience. We’re here for Rotherham, and we can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”
