Photo courtesy of Mechanics Cooperative Bank

Taunton-based Mechanics Cooperative Bank is opening a new branch in New Bedford.

Located at 1238 Kempton St, in a shopping plaza, the branch will be the ninth for the $670 million-asset bank and its first in New Bedford. The bank’s footprint now covers a large portion of Southeastern Massachusetts including Westport, Fall River, Swansea, Somerset, Dighton, Taunton and Bridgewater.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our branch network into the New Bedford area,” President and CEO Joseph Baptista Jr. said in a statement. “I was born and raised in New Bedford and I am excited about serving a community that has so much to offer. We understand the value and exciting potential of New Bedford and its surrounding communities. Our ‘Let’s Keep it Local!’ philosophy is well suited to meet the personal and business banking needs of this great community. We are looking forward to being an integral part of the continued growth of this great area.”

The bank says it will mark the occasion with new promotions for its various services. The full-service branch will provide a 24-hour drive-up ATM, an “extensive array” of consumer and commercial products and services and wealth management products, the bank said.

Mechanics Cooperative has hired Nicolas DeSena as branch manager.