Builders merchants ready for new business

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 2, 9 June 1987, Page 8

Builders merchants ready for new business

Ohakune builders and home handymen will have a wider range of building supplies in a few weeks when the upgrading work at Benchmark builders merchants is complete. The merchants, who until recently traded as MSD Speirs and before that as Maata Supplies, are now part of a group that trades under the name 'Benchmark' in various parts of the North Island. The group are all part of Fletcher Challenge. The most visible change at the store is the

extension to the retail shop. The new bulk store is about 130 square metres and includes an upstairs storage area and a new managers office. The building will house the stock of doors and large sheets such as particle board in one part and also bathroom equipment, possibly displayed representing a complete bathroom. The bulk store may also house the wider range of building equipment that Benchmark will stock. They also plan to stock wet weather gear, safety equipment and some farming equipment including fencing gear.

Melville Hunt and Rowan Eves are the contractors constructing the store. Next to the new building a shed to store gib sheets is planned. Another major change taking place at Ayr Street is the transfer of the timber stock from the mill at Tangiwai. The yard has been extended by an area 20 by 46 metres to accomodate the stock.The civil works on the extension have been done by Waimarino Draglines. An important part of the new-look store was the signwriting that went up last Friday.