BP returns to the Mount

Photo/Supplied

After a major re-build, BP re-opened its Mt Maunganui store on Wednesday this week.

BP head of retail Frank van Hattum said the company decided to re-build the store in order to "provide the best possible offer to the local community".

"It is an extremely competitive market and we're seeing new stores popping up quickly around the area, but while others may operate a low-cost or budget model for their stores, BP won't cut corners on quality.

"Mt Maunganui locals and visitors deserve a quality product, service and experience, so we have worked hard to ensure they get exactly what they need."

BP Connect Mt Maunganui offers widened lanes for easier in-out access, increased car parking spaces, improved availability of forecourt service and upgraded bathroom facilities.

The store also includes BP's Wild Bean Cafe along with seating, free WIFI and access to free newspapers to peruse while you are waiting.

Mr van Hattum proudly noted that Wild Bean Cafe is the number one retailer of barista-made coffee in New Zealand and said the company had used Fairtrade coffee since 2008.

Mr van Hattum said the company is committed to delivering sustainable and efficient operations every day by "educating staff, making correct supplier and partner choices and through sustainable construction decisions".

The BP Connect Mt Maunganui store is also on the company's national recycling program that saved more than 800 tonnes of waste from going to landfill and 70 million litres of car wash water in the past 12 months.

The water recycling program means that during times of water restrictions, BP is able to keep its carwash open.

"This is an initiative that other retailers are yet to implement to this level or scale," van Hattum said.

BP has also invested in bright energy efficient LED lighting to reduce the site's power consumption and has installed heat pump technology that allows exhaust heat from air conditioning and refrigeration plants to be recycled and used to heat the building's water, delivering a sustainable and cost-effective solution.

The 24-hour Mt Maunganui operation features a BP Superwash and offers BP's full suite of fuels across every pump - Unleaded 91, 95, 98 and Ultimate Diesel.

The upgraded store will provide around 15 jobs to the local community who will greet up to 650,000 customers every year.

"BP Connect Mt Maunganui is designed to make the customer experience that little bit better than the others," van Hattum said.