Bowens to open in Warragul

Bowen's timber and hardware store is taking up residence in the old Bunnings Warehouse site on June Court in Warragul.

This is part of a $50 million investment in six new stores and refurbishments across Australia this year.

Bowens director and chief investment officer Andy Bowen said the company had been looking to set up shop in the area for some time.

"This is a decision that has been made over four or five years," he said.

"We've been watching the area grow and we think we've found the perfect site to set ourselves up in."

Some staff already living in the area will be moving down from the already established Pakenham store, and the store will also create full-time work opportunities.

"Our hope is that within a couple of years we'd have 35 full-time employees there," Mr Bowen said.

"We are not just there to sell building supplies, we are there to be a fabric of the community and support the community."

"Part of that is hiring local talent and local residents, and that is exactly what we intend to do in that area."

Mr Bowen said there was still some work to be done on the site. However, it is the perfect fit for a Bowens store.

"It is perfect for what we do, we are absolutely focused on professional builders, professional trades. That's what we do," he said.

"The site is fantastic from a logistics perspective. We can move product in and out really quickly."

Mr Bowen said most of the company's customers are medium to small sized building companies, many of which operate in Warragul and surrounds. However, anyone can purchase their products.

"We have a really diverse range of timber and building supplies... we will service whatever needs the market requires," he said.

"Bowens is more focused now more than ever on other building supplies - not just timber."

The store is expected to open for business in August.