The History of TG Builders Merchants: From Village Brickyard to Regional Market Leader
The Tudor Griffiths Group is one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers of building and construction materials, employing more than 300 people across North and Mid Wales, the West Midlands, and the North West.
At the heart of the Group’s success is TG Builders Merchants — a trusted, family-run brand that has grown steadily over the decades while staying true to the values on which it was founded.
Where It All Began (1874–1900)
The story begins in 1874, when William Griffiths, aged just 25, left the family grocery shop in Knockin, near Oswestry, to start his own building business. Working with local farms and estate owners, he soon recognised the growing demand for reliable, high-quality building materials.
Determined to meet that demand, William established his own brickyard in Kinnerley, producing bricks and drainage pipes for the expanding rural and urban developments of the time.
It was a bold move during an era of major social and industrial change. Steam power was transforming local economies, and the need for skilled builders and materials was growing rapidly. William’s brickyard laid the literal foundations for what would one day become the Tudor Griffiths Group.
The Birth of TG Builders Merchants (1960s–1980s)
By the mid-20th century, the business had evolved far beyond its brickmaking roots. In 1968, the purchase of Ellesmere Agricultural Supply Co. marked a pivotal moment — it became the first business to trade as a builders merchants under the TG name.
This milestone marked the start of a new chapter for the company, one that would see TG Builders Merchants grow into one of the most respected and long-established independent builders merchants in the UK.
Growth Through the Decades (1990s–2020s)
The following decades saw impressive growth and diversification:
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1977 – Acquisition of Tattenhall Brick & Pipe Company near Chester created the second builders merchants depot.
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1982 – A third branch opened in Northwich.
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1988 – All merchanting activity was unified under the TG Builders Merchants brand.
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1990 – A landmark year with the opening of a new Oswestry branch and the acquisition of Nantwich Building Supplies, expanding the network to five depots.
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2000 – Welshpool joined the TG Builders Merchants family.
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2013 – The acquisition of Hardwicks Landscape Centre at Wolverley added a seventh branch.
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2016 – A major investment saw the opening of a six-acre branch at Chartwell Park, Bridgnorth.
Alongside this expansion, TG continued to evolve its product range and customer experience through specialist showrooms and dedicated service divisions:
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2007 – Launch of the TG Dream Patios brand at Northwich.
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2017–2020 – Opening of multiple Dream Kitchens & Bathrooms and Doors, Windows & Floors showrooms across Oswestry, Northwich, & Bridgnorth.
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2022 – TG Doors, Windows & Floors showrooms rolled out across all branches.
Today and Tomorrow
Today, TG Builders Merchants operates eight branches and specialist showrooms, serving both trade professionals and homeowners with everything from everyday building essentials to premium kitchen, bathroom, and landscaping solutions.
From William Griffiths’ original brickyard in 1874 to a modern network of award-winning branches, the story of TG Builders Merchants is one of resilience, family commitment, and continuous innovation.
As part of the wider Tudor Griffiths Group, we remain proud of our heritage — and excited for the future.
