B&Q to close Runcorn warehouse site

DIY retailer B&Q is to close its Runcorn warehouse operation with the loss of up to 150 jobs.

A member of staff told the Weekly News their workload will be split between other sites including in Doncaster.

They said the closure will take place on July 31.

B&Q leases the warehouse from DHL Supply Chain, who rent it from the building's owners Oxenwood Catalina.

Property Week reported in February that Oxenwood Real Estate and Catalina Holdings had formed a joint venture to buy the warehouse from DHL for £20.98m, reaping a yield of £8.17%.

The worker said staff were told on Friday that they were to have a 'briefing' yesterday.

He said other firms occupy parts of the warehouse including Amazon and Boots.

He said: "B&Q are pulling out.

"We were told it's closing on July 31 when the present contract ends.

"They're splitting the work we do between Scotland, Doncaster and Swindon."

A B&Q spokeswoman said: "B&Q is one of several customers at the Preston Brook multi-user site so although B&Q is exiting, the site itself will remain open.

"We have undertaken a full review of our entire store support distribution network to align it with the changes we are making to our store network - so that we have stores in the right place, of the right size and with the right products on offer.

"We fully understand that our proposed decision to exit Preston Brook is disappointing.

"It is in no way based upon the service we have received during the last 20 years or so, throughout which the Preston Brook team has shown us their commitment and hard work."

A DHL spokeswoman said: "Following a recent re-tender process, B&Q has confirmed its intention to remove its business from the Preston Brook operation and distribute the work across the remaining B&Q network.

"As Preston Brook is a multi-user operation, the site will remain open to service its other customers.

"Staff who are affected have been informed of the situation and will shortly enter into consultation with the company and union representatives to discuss the impact of the announcement.

"Unfortunately, the prospect of redundancies cannot be ruled out.

"Both DHL and B&Q thank staff for their ongoing commitment at this time and stress that the decision in no way reflects on the quality of work at the site."

Source : Oliver Clay - Liverpool Echo
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/breaking-news-bq-close-runcorn-9087388