Builders’ merchant MKM Building Supplies has opened a branch in Elgin, creating 12 jobs.
The Hull-based chain now has 59 outlets in the UK and plans to add to its growing network during 2019.
Its Moray operation is the firm’s seventh in Scotland and takes over from the Perth branch as the most northerly in Britain.
Heading up the Elgin business are branch directors Jon Sheard and Doug McNair, while the company has also invested in new vehicles for the area.
Mr Sheard said: “We’ve taken our time to put together an unbeatable team here, full of experienced, skilled local people who fully understand the needs of those they’ll be serving, whether from trades or DIY.”
Mr McNair added: “The team are excited to get to work replicating the success MKM has seen elsewhere in the UK.”
MKM Building Supplies was founded in 1995 by David Kilburn and Peter Murray, and it claims to be the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchant.
A subsidiary, MKM Leisure, is a specialist distributor for the caravan and holiday homes industry.
The group is controlled by funds advised by Bain Capital Private Equity and affiliates.
Accounts lodged at Companies House show MKM Building Supplies (Holdings) earned revenue of more than £332 million in its 2016-17 trading year.