Woodie’s E10m investment to create 200 jobs

WOODIE’S DIY and Garden Centres yesterday announced a E10 million investment programme involving the creation of 200 jobs.

Speaking at the opening of a new store in Cork, chief executive Ray Colman said Woodie’s DIY was committed to growth in Ireland.

“Through our current pipeline of new store openings and by improving existing DIY outlets through store relocations in Cork and Bray, we will create up to 200 jobs over the next 12 months,” he said.

This will also include new developments in Carrickmines, Co Dublin and Drogheda, Co Louth, with an opening in Naas bringing the total number of Woodie’s DIY stores to 22 by the year end.

Despite increased competition with the opening of a B&Q store in Cork, Mr Colman said the DIY market was performing strongly.

“The growth among domestic players and new entrants is continuing to deliver choice and price competition, which is good news for the Irish consumer. In response to market demand, we have doubled the size of our Cork store to bring an improved product range and greater level of service to customers,” he said.

The 50,000 sq ft store and 10,000 sq ft garden centre in Naas is due for completion in June. Woodie’s will relocate to the new store in Bray in July or August and the new stores at Carrickmines and Drogheda will open later in the year.

Mr Colman said Woodie’s expects to see continued growth in gardening requirements due to the increase in house completions over the past year.