The Reading branch is its first outlet west of London and follows the opening of two other branches in Coventry and Nottingham last autumn.

Movac has installed Corob paint tinting and mixing equipment to match colours to customers’ specifications, while five new staff have been taken on, with the promise of more recruitment to follow.

“The opening of our eighth branch is a logical step for us as demand for our products and services continues to increase nationwide,” said Movac managing director Mark Smith.

He said the expansion allowed Movac to gain new customers while also offering an improved supply service and wide ranger of products to existing customers in the region.

Movac, whose annual turnover exceeds £17m, supplies Sayerlack and PPG industrial wood finish coatings.