Anglesey-based building materials company Huws Gray has hit the ground running once again in 2012 as they announce an exciting combination of acquisition and investment in a brand-new Training Academy.

The acquisition of Laycocks Timber Merchants in Wigan doubles the company’s presence in the area following the successful acquisition of Ainscough Building Supplies in Wrightington in August 2010, and further strengthens Huws Gray’s presence in the north-west.

Huws Gray Chairman, John Llewelyn Jones welcomed the acquisition:-

“We have been extremely pleased with our acquisition of Ainscough Building Supplies in August 2010 and are confident that we can strengthen our position in Wigan.”

“We believe that Laycocks will be an extremely valuable addition to our portfolio as we expand our brand further into the north-west. A combination of the knowledge and experience of the existing Laycocks staff, allied to a healthy dose of the Huws Gray DNA and a substantial investment in mixed stock-holding will enable us to improve the branch, strengthen the company and improve the service offered to customers old and new.”

A team of solicitors from Weightmans LLP Liverpool office led by corporate partner Bruce Robinson, assisted by corporate assistant Bhavisha Mistry, real estate specialist Amanda Hurst and employment lawyer Matt Smith, acted for Huws Gray.

Bruce Robinson of Weightmans LLP said “This latest acquisition is yet another stride forward in Huws Gray expansion plans. It is good to see a business that has the confidence to continue to invest in expanding and improving its business in these difficult economic times. There is no doubt that for those businesses that do have the appetite and resources available to take advantage of them, there are plenty of good acquisition opportunities available at present"  

As well as stressing Huws Gray’s strong appetite for continued further expansion in 2012, Huws Gray Managing Director, Terry Owen, is equally excited about the company’s New Year’s resolution to invest in a comprehensive training and development programme for all staff, beginning with Huws Gray’s Directors, Area Managers and Branch Management Teams.

“Training starts with Management and I have as much to learn as anyone”

As part of this commitment, Huws Gray has opened an in-house Huws Gray Training Academy at their brand-new branch location in Mochdre near Colwyn Bay, which opened its’ doors just before Christmas.

“I’m really excited about our commitment to develop our staff and am convinced that our new Academy in Colwyn Bay, allied to our existing training facilities at Queensferry, will be hugely beneficial for our staff as well as for the long-term health of the company.”

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Huws Gray contacts

Terry Owen   (M.D.)                         Tel      07733 264829 towen@huwsgray.co.uk

John Llewelyn Jones (Chairman)   Tel      07718 905971 jjones@huwsgray.co.uk