September 2011 – The UK’s largest independent paper merchant is further expanding its nationwide branch network with the opening of a new office that includes a 7,500 sq ft warehouse facility in Newton Abbot.

The Newton Abbot operation located on the city’s Heathfield Industrial Estate follows Premier’s recent acquisition of Dorset-based merchant Arc Paper. Both moves form a key part of the Group’s commitment to expand its presence in the South West of England, a strategy that will also include the further development of its Southampton operation.

Nick James, formerly of the Bristol sales operation, has been appointed as Branch Sales Manager, he will work alongside Jimmy Hargreaves, Andy Stadden and new recruit, Jeanette Surmon, who has many years experience in the paper industry and is well known to customers throughout the South West.

Premier’s now sixteen-strong network of branches all have dedicated local sales teams and hold large quantities of stock. Each branch also benefits from the Group’s key partnerships with world class paper manufacturers and its commitment to massive national stock holdings of all papers, including the market’s widest selection of media for digital printing.

Managing Director Graham Griffiths said, “Each branch holds a stock profile that is adapted to meet the requirements of the local market. This is backed up with a further 20,000 tonnes held throughout the Premier branch network and Central Distribution Centre. This structure means we are able to fulfil orders nationwide with very tight deadlines.

“We have eighteen dedicated vehicles operating from the four branches that service customers throughout the South West and this, combined with our local stock holding policy, enables us to offer reliable and flexible deliveries – many the same day – to meet our customers’ needs.”