JOB losses could be on the horizon for Basingstoke warehouse workers after a leading town manufacturer announced it is closing its West Ham site.

The Grafton Way warehouse is due to close in September after Johnson & Johnson - famed for its baby and healthcare products - decided to transfer its warehousing and distribution activities to a specialist, independent company.

While places at the new site have been offered to the 26 members of staff - based in Grafton Way - this would mean moving to the new firm's base in Warrington, Cheshire.

A spokesman for Johnson & Johnson claimed a surge in sales of consumer products had triggered an increase in stockholding and distribution activities.

He added that the Basingstoke site was unable to cope with the jump in demand and did not have the space to expand. As a result, the decision was made to outsource operations.

Staff are being consulted about the details of any transfers to Warrington, and the spokesman paid tribute to their efforts.

He said: "We are doing everything possible to minimise the impact on them, either by helping them relocate to Cheshire or, for those who choose not to move, by providing training and outplacement support to assist them in finding alternative employment."