AN agricultural and builders merchant holds an open day on Thursday (11) after a huge expansion and refurbishment at its site in Crook.

S&A Merchants has doubled the retail space to almost 23,000sq ft and increased the range of products in stock to more than 6,500. The open day runs from 9am to 4pm and will give farmers and tradesmen the opportunity to meet staff and suppliers.

Andrew Howard, branch manager, said “This massive increase in size means that I can now stock a lot more of the agricultural products that traditionally have had to be ordered in specially for farmers, likewise our range of building products can increase."

The expansion is the first part of an expansion plan by the S&A Merchants division who along with the fabrication division, which incorporates the award winning Roundhouse, has big plans to develop what is a buoyant market.

Mr Howard said: "The recession affected all of us in different ways, but we didn’t experience a slowdown, and if anything saw steady growth. Now the recession is over it has given us the confidence for this significant investment in expanding our site and offering."

The expansion has also created more parking and better access for larger vehicles to the site at the ESP Commercial Centre in Prospect Road, Crook.

Kevin Warnes, regional sales executive, encouraged farmers and tradesmen to see what is on offer. "We will all be undercover in the new building with hot food and drink available all day and there will be a few surprises on the day, so do please come along."

The day includes special offers and prizes. Phase two of the expansion will open in Spring with a family fun day to show off more improved retail facilities and expanded product range to include a bathroom showroom and design suite.