WORKERS at a major Hereford business are facing a bleak Christmas after being given the shock news that it is to close next week.

A leading electrical distributor, Rexel has decided to cease trading at its branch in Hereford on December 7. Rumoured reports of the surprise decision suggested that Rexel had ended production last Thursday, but company bosses have confirmed that the business will finally close its doors at units 11A and 12 on Holmer Road next Friday.

One worker at the business, formerly Newey & Eyre, said the announcement had come like a bolt from the blue, while others complained that they first heard the news through social media.

One man, who did not want to be named, said: “It came as a shock to us all. Coming just before Christmas like that, it’s not ideal.”

He added: “All we know is that the company will cease trading in Hereford next Friday. It’s a very difficult time for us.”

A significant player in Hereford’s commercial sector, Rexel, better known through its trading divisions including the former Newey & Eyre, claims a heritage in the electrical industry spanning some 90 years.

The company has 250 branches nationwide, and the boss has told the Hereford Times that “every effort” was being made to offer alternative jobs.

Rexel’s CEO, John Hogan said the closure had come about following “an extensive review of its market position” and the decision had been made to close the Hereford branch.

“Where our people are affected by this change, every effort is being made to offer alternative opportunities within the Rexel business,” he said.

Mr Hogan continued: “We can assure everyone that we are continuing to invest in improving the service we provide to our customers and these changes are part of this process.”

Rexel also operates the Denmans business at Westfields Trading Estate, Units 4 – 6 Grandstand Business Centre, and the Denmans offer was “available to all Rexel customers in the area,” he pointed out.