The new site, at Hamburg Way, North Lynn Industrial Estate, is the third that the company has opened in Norfolk in the last 12 months and becomes part of a nationwide network that employs several hundred people.

Local director Nathan Stannage said that they already have branches at Norwich and Dereham and are delighted to add West Norfolk to the list.

He explained that MKM is a genuine one-stop shop for building, timber and plumbing supplies and that it supplies to the public as well as trade customers.

The new centre stocks a massive range of products, from bricks and blocks, sand and cement, to windows and doors, bathroom suites and decking and other materials for the garden.

It can offer a brick matching service, help customers to calculate the amount of materials they need and it operates a delivery service.

"The fact that we have been selected as the best independent builders' merchant of the year by the National Builders' Merchants Federation for five out of the last six years shows that we really know our stuff," said Mr Stannage.

He also wants the new branch to get involved with local clubs, groups and organisations.

The new centre, which has created 11 new jobs, is open from 7.30am to 5.30 pm from Monday to Friday and from 8am to noon on Saturdays.