Regional builders merchant Ridgeons has opened a third branch of its new plumbing and heating brand, PlumbStock.

The store, within Ridgeons’ existing branch in Victoria Road, Diss, follows similar openings in Hitchin and St Neots.

A total of more than 40 branches are planned, creating up to 120 new jobs around the East of England.

Spearheaded by Pete Diamant, head of plumbing, heating and sSanitaryware (PHS) at Ridgeons, PlumbStock is aimed at plumbing and heating engineers and complements the firm’s existing builders merchant offering, with the roll-out due to be completed by 2018.

Mr Diamant said: “The PlumbStock brand has had a fantastic start and with these three branches already open, we’re very excited to launch stand-alone stores next year.

“The launch of PlumbStock now means we have a dedicated brand within the Ridgeon Group that is going to resonate with the heating and plumbing market and uses a brand name that clearly indicates our commitment to stock availability.

“The aim for PlumbStock is that it will become the largest independent in the region and be the merchant of choice for the plumbing and heating trade. Our USPs are service, location and of stock availability, plus, we’ll be going the extra mile with a few innovative touches in branch.”