THE jobs of 180 workers at BOC Distribution Services are at risk after announcements that the company's two Warrington depots are up for sale.

The sites, at Europa Boulevard, Westbrook, and Thelwall Lane, Warrington will close in November unless a buyer can be found. The depots handle 'primary temperature controlled distribution.' This is temperature controlled warehousing and transportation of chilled food products from a manufacturer to a retailer's distribution centre.

But many of the employees knew nothing about the threat to their jobs until they saw the announcement on the TV news.

One worker, who did not wish to be named, said: "We were kept totally in the dark.

"There were rumours going around after we heard that work with one of our main customers was finishing at the end of August, but we hadn't got a clue what was going on. Everyone is really shocked. It was so unexpected."

A BOC spokesman said: "The BOC Group has embarked on a review of its organisation with the objective of accelerating sales growth at the same time as making significant reduction in costs.

"After considerable analysis, we have concluded that it is not economically viable to further develop within the primary chilled market. It is therefore our intention to sell our Warrington, Airdrie, Harlow and Bristol depots either as a complete business or as stand alone operations. There are 700 people affected, 180 of those in Warrington, some of which will be redeployed and we hope most will transfer in any sale of the business."

BOC managing director Peter Brinsden said: "We are extremely hopeful that these operations will continue under a new owner and this will allow most if not all employees to be able to transfer their jobs to a new employer in the future."

"I believe that in restructuring to focus on our major accounts, we will be able to provide the dedicated management expertise to take our business forward.

"Whilst it is regrettable that we are unable to economically sustain the chill primary business, we will be able to concentrate our resources on the provision of systems and operations that provide bespoke solutions to customers requirements."

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