Bunnings gets ready to open new store

Hardware chain Bunnings' new Mt Wellington store will open within the next few weeks. File photo / Northern Advocate

Hardware chain Bunnings is stocking its new Mt Wellington store which it will open within the next few weeks.

Scott Keene, complex manager of the new store on the corner of Mt Wellington Highway and the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway, said the 10,000sq m Bunnings Warehouse would employ 120 people.

Most are now being trained and preparing for the store opening, he said.

An opening date is yet to be announced.

Bunnings, owned by Australian interests, has invested more than $500 million in New Zealand since it came here after buying Benchmark Building Supplies in 2001.

Bunnings is also building at Glenfield near the Mega Mitre 10.

Construction of a new Bunnings store in Blenheim is due to begin shortly.

This month, rival chain Mitre 10 announced an arrangement with Columbus Coffee owner Cafe Brands to sell its products in its 164-store chain.

Mitre 10 stores opened last year in Timaru, Cambridge and Pukekohe.

The business started in New Zealand in 1974 and executives say it is about twice the size of its nearest competitor.

Mitre 10 has about 110 stores, 3500 staff and annual sales close to $1 billion.