M&J’s Direct buy makes five

Independent Greenock-based builders merchant M&J has acquired GTI Direct in Dunoon, adding a 5th location to the group’s portfolio.

GTI was established nearly 30 years ago as a UK-wide distributor of insulation, energy efficiency and carbon reduction eco products and in recent years has set up a timber and builders’ merchant division. It now joins h&b as part of the M&J Group.

M&J is family-owned and -run, established in 1999, and operates a timber and mixed light and heavyside business from its two branches in Greenock and Largs, as well as its subsidiary South Lanarkshire Building Supplies in Larkhall, all supported by a 130,000 sq ft storage and distribution hub two minutes away from its head office branch in Greenock.

Part of h&b since 2013, M&J can use the acquisition to service customers around the Cowal peninsula and Argyll more easily. It also gives GTI access to h&b buying deals and a wider product offering for existing and potential customers in the area. M&J has also acquired a 2-acre site adjacent to the existing GTI depot to accelerate the growth of the builders’ merchant division of the GTI business.

Mark Rodger of M&J Group said: “GTI compliments our already well-established brands in Scotland and this new acquisition fits exceptionally well with our vision to be the best provider of building products in the eyes of our customers, employees, suppliers, and communities. The existing management team, led by GTI Managing Director, Martin Clayton, as well as all staff are staying in place in their current roles, and we are excited about combining operational expertise and knowledge and aim to share best practice from all our business units to create a leading Scottish merchanting organisation.”