Two Wairarapa businesses were confirmed as closing yesterday, putting more workers' jobs in jeopardy.
Carters' building supplies Greytown operation is to shut down, with the company head blaming the building industry downturn and flagging building consent applications as the main reasons for the decision.
And, in late breaking news yesterday it was
revealed Mico, Masterton, was also to close.
Mico is part of a New Zealand-wide chain of plumbing supply merchandisers specialising in bathrooms, kitchens and laundries and is located in a near-new, purpose-built premises in Chapel Street.
Mico was previously known as MicoWakefield Ltd before a business takeover by Crane Group, when it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Australian public company.
When asked if the Masterton business was to close, area manager Mike Malone said yes but said he was not authorised to make further comment and referred reporters to the company's general-manager Steve Priest.
Mr Priest was at a meeting in Wellington until early evening and could not be contacted for comment.
It is unknown at this stage when the business will close and details on staff numbers and any possible redundancy options for staff affected by the closure were unavailable.
Carters' Auckland-based chief executive Stuart Munro said the three Carters Greytown employees' jobs will go under review as the company decides how to "amalgamate" the Greytown operation with its other, bigger outlets in Masterton and Carterton.
Mr Munro couldn't say whether the staff will lose their jobs or be absorbed into the company's other Wairarapa holdings and couldn't say when the store would close down.
"We've made the proposal because of the slowdown in the building industry coupled with the reduction in building consents, which we don't see improving any time in the short term," Mr Munro said.
He said the Carters stores in Masterton and Carterton would be able to "service everyone's needs", and the relatively recent purchase in 2005 of the Carterton outlet meant the company had "more than enough coverage" in the region.
Earlier yesterday, the Times-Age contacted Carters' Greytown manager who said he was unable to comment on the matter.
When the Times-Age called back later and asked Mr Munro if he would allow Carters' Greytown manager to provide background details on the business, Mr Munro declined and said the company had no further comment on the matter.
