Kleeneze administration threatens sites in Heywood and Accrington

Household goods supplier Kleeneze has called in administrations with 140 jobs on the line, less than a year after it took a 101,000 sq ft space at Heywood Distribution Park on a five-year lease.

The company, headquartered in Accrington, said it had ceased trading yesterday, putting around 140 jobs at risk. Administrator FRP Advisory is seeking a buyer in a bid to save the company, which has been operational for 95 years.

Kleeneze signed the 101,000 sq ft deal at Heywood Distrubtion Park in July last year with landlord Harbert, in what was the largest letting at the site for at least 12 months. It employs 71 at this warehouse. It also employs 69 people at its Accrington office, based at the Globe Centre on St James Square, and sells its products through a network of around 5,000 distributors.

Joint administrator David Acland said: “Kleeneze has performed well over the years and has a strong network of independent sales distributors. Unfortunately, tough trading conditions have resulted in the business entering administration.

“The business has ceased to trade but we would urge any parties interested in acquiring the business to contact us as soon as possible. In the meantime, we are assisting employees and stakeholders during this difficult period.”

Annette Bott, area organiser at trade union Usdaw said: “This is clearly a difficult and upsetting time for the 140 staff based in Accrington and Heywood.

“We are pressing the administrators to find a buyer for the company who will protect jobs and keep the business going. In the meantime we are providing our members with the support, advice and representation they need.”

B8 Real Estate are joint agents on Heywood Distribution Park, along with Savills and CBRE, in conjunction with CBRE Asset Management.