Regional timber and builders merchant firm Ridgeons is aiming to create more new jobs next year following the launch of a new central distribution warehouse in west Suffolk.

The 120,000 sq ft facility in Hampstead Avenue, Mildenhall, has already brought 18 jobs to the area this year, even though it has yet to reach full capacity.

Ridgeons began the migration of plumbing and heating stock to the new site in October in conjunction with the launch of its new PlumbStock brand.

This was followed by CRS Wholesale, a bathroom and sanitary ware wholesaler which also forms part of the Ridgeon Group, relocating its operations from Cambridge where it has been based for the last 37 years.

And a further 15,000 sq ft of the warehouse in Mildehall is also to be used by Ridgeons Forest Products for the storage and distribution of timber.

Alistair Brace, head of group services at Ridgeons, said: “The new central distribution warehouse is a real milestone for the Ridgeon Group.

“It will help improve service across the group and efficiency and stock availability across our merchant branches and new PlumbStock stores. Having one large site also improves our stock holding potential, giving the Ridgeon Group better buying power and wider product range offering, even at our smaller stores.

“We are really pleased to create more jobs in the local area and our plans for expansion will mean more roles become available in 2016.”

James Waters, leader of Forest Heath council, said: “What great news for our local economy and residents and just in time for Christmas.

“Our west Suffolk economic growth team and myself met with Ridgeons on-site earlier this year and I am delighted that they have recognised the growth potential of investing in Mildenhall.

“This is 18 new jobs with the more to follow next year as the warehouse gets fully up and running. I am sure that Ridgeons will prove to be very successful in the town.”