New Buildpro Mildura owners aim to keep building

THE new franchisees of Mildura’s Buildpro store have promised to build on the legacy of former owner Raymond Cohrs.

Mark Pullman and Anthony Ball have taken on the building products franchise after the shooting death of Mr Cohrs in 2018.

Mr Cohrs was allegedly killed by his brother, former Wentworth Shire councillor Paul Cohrs, but Paul Cohrs has not been charged.

Both new franchisees worked alongside Raymond Cohrs at the Mildura store for more than 20 years.

Mr Pullman said that in the wake of the tragedy, it was important to him and Mr Ball to carry on the business in memory of Mr Cohrs.

“We’ve taken on the franchise after the passing of Ray to build on his legacy,” Mr Pullman said.

“We both worked under him for a long period of time, so it was an incentive for us to actually go forwards.

“He basically built this business up to where it is today.”

Buildpro group general manager Josh Vick said he was “rapt” with the new owners.

“From my perspective it’s the best outcome we could have hoped for,” he said.

“It’s great to have these two guys take over this Buildpro franchise, having been involved with the business for so long, and with Ray as well.”

Mr Pullman said the business’s focus would be on delivering quality service and materials to customers across Sunraysia.

“We’re trying to keep it local, that’s our focus,” he said.

“We’ve got a good relationship with the building industry because we’ve been part of it for so long and hopefully will continue to be for a long time.”