Expanding DIY chain plans to create 400 jobs

UP to 40 jobs were created in Limerick with the opening of the first Wickes DIY and Home Improvement store in the country.

An additional 410 people will be hired over the next five years as the chain expands its operations across Ireland.

Irish company Moritz Trading Limited, which signed the franchise agreement to bring the retailer to Ireland, announced it has identified locations and is in negotiations to open other stores.

The Limerick store, which is located in the Eastpoint Retail Park on the Ballysimon Road, was officially opened by Defence Minister Willie O’Dea.

Wickes, which is part of the Travis Perkins Group, is one of the most successful retail chains in Britain with over 190 stores.

It was recently voted as Britain’s favourite DIY store.

Moritz Trading managing director, Sean Moran, said the opening of the first Wickes DIY store in Ireland was another milestone in the development of the company which employs over 200 people, with established builders providers businesses in Dublin, Meath and Wexford.

He said: “The timing could not be any better in terms of responding to the demand to provide a service that offers value for money. We have set ourselves the challenge of creating employment where our stores will be located.”