XPO Logistics is to close its Nuneaton depot in August with the potential loss of 57 jobs, Motortransport.co.uk has learnt.
In response to our enquiries, the company said it had been forced to announce the closeure of the site after failing to agree acceptable rental terms when renewing its lease.
In a statement Martin Atkinson, business unit director at XPO Logistics, said: “The lease of our building at Nuneaton expires later this year and we have been in discussions with the landlord for several months, seeking an agreement to extend it.
"Unfortunately, the rent demanded by the landlord is not economically feasible. Reluctantly, we have had to make the decision to withdraw from the site."
Atkinson said the site will close at the end of August this year.
He added: “ We are currently reviewing all our options and will be entering into a consultation with the trade union and our 57 colleagues employed at the site in the next few weeks. We are hopeful that many of the roles at the site can be moved elsewhere within our business.”
In a letter to the workforce seen by Motortransport.co.uk, XPO regional general manager Rod Zala said the company was looking at the impact of the closure on its workforce and customers.
He added: “I can assure you that we will be doing our upmost to minimise the impact of the closure where we can, and will be entering into a consultation process with the trade union and employees affected by this proposal in the next few weeks.
“As part of this process we will be consulting on alternatives to our proposal, potential for redeployment within the group and as a last resort redundancy.”
Unite regional organiser Alan Lewis, said: “We are disappointed with the announcement and we will be seeking further clarification with the company as to the reasons why the site is closing.
"However if it is the case that the company was unable to agree suitable terms on the lease then we will try to ensure all the workers affected find alternative roles at nearby sites.”
XPO Logistics workers at the Nuneaton depot met the news with anger. One told Motortransport.co.uk: “I have worked at the site for over 20 years and I like a lot of others are devastated.”
He added: “They say that jobs could be found elsewhere but we think it's rubbish because XPO have no other sites in the area only another cold store on Bermuda Park which is fully staffed.”
