BUILDING a "brand" new image for the UK's largest distributor of construction products and materials.

That was Prestwich-based design and corporate identity specialists Appleby Bowers which masterminded the re-branding project for Wolseley UK.

The firm assessed the corporate identities of more than a dozen sub brands, such as Plumb Center and Build Center.

Various new designs were created and implemented by Appleby Bowers, based in Bury Old Road, Prestwich.

Wolseley UK is part of FTSE 100 listed Wolseley PLC, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products and a leading supplier of building materials to professional contractors in North America, the UK and Continental Europe.

The design project impacts upon 1,400 UK outlets, more than 11,000 staff as well as a significant vehicle fleet.

Bernie Bowers, managing director of Appleby Bowers, turned back the clock almost 20 years to spearhead the project, having worked on the original design scheme in London in the mid-'80s.

He explained: "I worked on the initial corporate identity project in 1985 and then conducted a ten year review exercise. The original designs actually lasted for 18 years, well exceeding initial expectations.

"This latest work represented a major coup for us, having fought off competition from several major London agencies and I am proud that our team led by creative director Tony Lomas has been able to play a front line role in this prestigious project for such a high profile client. The success of the first design scheme emphasised our understanding of both the client and its markets."