Grafton Group plc is an independent company operating in the Merchanting, DIY Retailing and Mortar Manufacturing markets in Britain and Ireland.
Grafton’s strategy is to build on its strong market positions in Merchanting, DIY Retailing and Mortar Manufacturing, to develop in related markets and to grow in businesses with which it is familiar.
The Merchanting segment operates from 520 builders and plumbers merchanting branches. It trades under the Buildbase, Plumbase, Jackson and Selco brands in Britain and under the Heiton Buckley, Chadwicks and Macnaughton Blair brands in Ireland. These brands have leading national and regional market positions. In Britain, Grafton operates the third largest builders merchanting business and is among the top four plumbers merchanting businesses. The Merchanting segment also operates the largest merchanting business in Ireland. The network of merchanting branches mainly supply trade customers engaged in residential, repair, maintenance and improvement projects.
The Retailing segment incorporates the largest DIY retailing business in Ireland, trading nationally from 41 stores primarily under the Woodie's DIY brand, and an 8 store kitchen business that trades under the In-House and Panelling Centre brands.
The Manufacturing segment incorporates the largest dry mortar business in Britain where it operates from 9 plants.
Grafton Group plc has strong national and regional market positions in the Merchanting, DIY Retailing and Mortar Manufacturing markets in Britain and Ireland. In 2010, 71 per cent of Group turnover was generated in the UK. The Merchanting, DIY and Mortar Manufacturing markets offer attractive growth prospects with the potential to earn above average returns on invested capital.
