Currently one of the fastest-growing suppliers of tools, accessories and building supplies to the trade and home improvement industry, Toolstation has opened its 200th branch since its launch in 2003.
The new opening forms part of an expansion programme that will see 210 Toolstation stores trading in the UK by the end of the year.

The 200th branch is based in Newton Abbot and marks the fourth store to open in Devon, further extending the company's presence in the South West.

Toolstation also has sizeable estate networks in a number of large cities, including more than 40 branches trading within the M25 and 11 in the West Midlands.

Toolstation retail director Craig Higgins commented: "The opening of our 200th branch is a real landmark in what has proved to be a year of strong growth and it is great to see our network expanding across the UK. Our ultimate aim is to provide a great multi-channel customer experience at conveniently located branches, online or on our mobile website.

"In addition to the continued development of our branch network, this year has seen the launch of our online Click & Collect service to help meet our customers' needs. What's more, in response to the increasing use of smartphones and mobile devices, we have recently introduced Paypal onto the company's mobile app. This mobile platform also allows customers to check stock, buy online and collect from their chosen branch just an hour later. We look forward to continued growth whilst retaining the low cost model approach that appeals to our customers."

With each branch opening creating seven new jobs, Toolstation has now employed over 1400 people in its branches alone, with over 500 in its head office and distribution centres. The roll out of new branches is set to continue to reach the 210 target by the end of 2015, with further expansion planned for 2016.

The company is continually on the lookout for new sites to hit its ambitious growth goal and finding the right location is crucial to success, with a key list of requirements for each site.

Commercial resources director Adam Keates, who leads the expansion programme explained: "We are competing for space with other growing businesses - not just in the building sector - and we also have to take into account potential customers and their needs when considering new properties. Naturally, we look at the catchment of any potential location; at the same time you cannot beat going to an industrial park and making an assessment of how many people from the building trades are already visiting it, and whether it is easy to find and to access."