Heat Merchants’ relocation of its Dundalk site marks the latest in a series of investments by the leading supplier of heating, plumbing and renewable energy solutions for domestic and commercial projects.
Dundalk is now the largest branch in the country, with over 2,000 sqft of floor space and 4,000sqft of warehouse space.
Since its acquisition by Wolseley in 2022, Heat Merchants Group – which includes Heat Merchants, Bathroom Merchants and Tubs & Tiles – has been transformed.
Wolseley’s strategic growth drive aims to ensure the company is the service-led partner of choice for trade professionals and is key to its investment strategy in Heat Merchants.
This investment in its people, the branch network and the logistics infrastructure will help Heat Merchants Group realise its ambitious growth plans.
• Heat Merchants branches around the country have been completely rejuvenated with the roll out of a new-look branch model which was designed by interior Architect Tess Stanford. The design was carefully considered to provide customers with a fresh new look while also streamlining the product displays and improving operational efficiency of the branches.
• Bathroom Merchants, the new brand within the group, was launched in 2023 following extensive investment in product sourcing and new product development.
• Two of the three new installer training centres are already completed in Naas and Cork city with the third planned facility expected in the coming months. These facilities are used to provide manufacturer training in new products and Level 1 and 2 training on the Panasonic range of heat pumps.
Investing in its people
Investment in Heat Merchants Group’s branches and infrastructure has been matched by its investment in people.
Over recent months, two new regional managers have been appointed to support the branch teams and facilitate training and development across the company.
Paddy Coyle – Regional Manager
After many years working in builders’ merchants, Paddy Coyle joined Heat Merchants in 2018 as manager of the busy Athlone branch.
He was subsequently promoted to the product management team, where he was responsible for sourcing new product, negotiating trading terms and implementing training programmes.
In January 2023, Paddy became regional manager with responsibility for 15 of the branches in the west, south west, north east and midlands.
Since taking up this new role, Paddy has been responsible for managing the renovation of the branches, the introduction of Bathroom Merchants and implementing new health and safety protocols, as well as working with its team of branch managers to help deliver first-in-class sales and back-up service to customers.
Speaking about his new role, Paddy said, “I was delighted to be given the opportunity to assume the role of regional manager and enjoy working with the teams in the branches in my region.
It is a busy role, but it is very rewarding to see the plans, developments and changes for the better being implemented throughout the company.”
Craig Verdon – Regional Manager
Craig Verdon joined Heat Merchants in 2023 as regional manager with responsibility for 15 branches in the east and south of the country.
Since he joined, Craig has managed the refurbishment of 15 branches and the introduction of Bathroom Merchants while delivering a strong branch performance with a focus on excellent customer service, consistency of processes, health and safety practices and team development.
Prior to joining Heat Merchants, Craig was general manager of eight branches with B&Q for over 17 years and during this time was a board member of B&Q Ireland for four years, with this retail environment providing a lot of experience for his new role.
Speaking of his new role, Craig said, “I am delighted to have joined Heat Merchants and work with fabulous teams all working together to ensure the company’s success. It’s a fantastic new sector to experience with lots of excitement for the future in heating and renewables. Every day is different, but working with great people is always rewarding.”
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