The branch, Covers’ 13th site in southern England, was a former Build Centre branch which was bought from Jewson following the latter’s acquisition of the Build Center chain from Wolseley.
Jewson had been required to sell some of the Build Center branches, including Tunbridge Wells, in areas where the Office of Fair Trading believed there would be a lessening of competition following the takeover of Build Center.
Jewson and Travis Perkins branches already exist near to the site. Covers is keeping all existing staff from the former Build Center branch.
“Our ambition is to increase our product and service offering across the south of England,” said Covers commercial director Henry Green.
“We were excited to seize the opportunity of opening a depot in the beautiful town of Tunbridge Wells and its geographic location now enables us to service customers locally and in the surrounding towns and villages in Kent.”
Mr Green said Covers planned to improve the stock range and facilities, and extend the collection and delivery service. Chichester-based Covers already operates branches in Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.
