MEXICO – Tom Puiia missed the hardware business more than he thought he would.

So on Saturday, a new Puiia Lumber Co. is opening in Mexico at the site of the former Dexter Building Supply.

Puiia and his brother, John, sold the landmark Puiia’s Hardware and Home Center in Rumford about 2 years ago.

Now, after a couple of years of working as a sales representative for a lumberyard in Belgrade, Tom Puiia is starting again.

“I had been looking into doing something on a smaller scale,” he said.

Along with the opening at 7 a.m. Saturday will be several employees from the former Puiia business as well as some from Dexter’s. He hopes to add several employees in the near future, from the current five full time and one part time to perhaps 10 total.

He said he plans to make some changes, as well, but probably not until after the grand opening set for the end of April.

The store carries lumber, paint, electrical, household and plumbing supplies, as well as a variety of tools.

“We hope to grow,” he said. “We’ll make some changes, but we’ll have the same full service as we had before.”

Puiia said he’s excited to be back in business again.

Puiia Lumber will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. until noon Saturdays. Expanded Saturday hours are expected within the next few weeks.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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