The opening of Saint-Gobain‘s first ‘Platform Building Materials’ outlet in Kings Norton, Birmingham last month is being heralded as “new era in building material supply in the UK”.

Based on St Gobain‘s French model, the cash and carry concept which caters solely for trade customers will be rolled out nationwide over the next five years, with 15 stores planned.

The Birmingham outlet stands on a 4.5 acre site and has some 60,000 sq ft of warehousing comprising two buildings – one where customers shop and the other for storage. Saint Gobain declined to reveal the amount of investment.

Saint-Gobain, which owns Jewson and Graham, says Platform aims to provide an alternative way of buying building materials for smaller firms including specialists such as joiners, plumbers and electricians. It will carry an extensive range of timber and offer a sheet cutting facility.

Platform marketing manager Linda Finn said Platform is aimed at the smaller ‘white van man’ trader whereas Jewson is for larger customers – and that the two should complement each other.

&#8220Platform is aimed at the smaller ‘white van man’ trader whereas Jewson is for larger customers – and the two should complement each other. Jewson is also for those wanting credit facilities while Platform is cash and carry.”

Platform marketing manager Linda Finn

The concept was launched in France about five years ago with Point P – the equivalent of Jewson – and Le Platform du Batiment – the French version of Platform. Ms Finn said: “Initially there may have been some reservations, but it has worked well. Here, Jewson is for those wanting credit facilities while Platform is a cash and carry operation.” In the UK, Platform will be open from 6.30am to 7pm during the week and from 7am to 5pm on Saturdays.

It will offer a fax order and collect service and all products and prices are listed in a 326 page catalogue. Builders need a Platform Trade Card to use the store, which is not open to the public, and registrations are already exceeding expectations.