43 jobs axed as distributor forced to shut

The administrators of a West Lothian distribution company which has gone into receivership have confirmed that more than 40 jobs will be lost at its Bathgate headquarters.

MRS Distribution, based in Whitehill Industrial Estate, has fallen victim to the recession as it sheds 43 jobs, with a further 96 employees transferring to the group's other solvent company JBT, which also operates from Whitehill.

West Lothian Council's executive councillor for development and transport, Martyn Day, said: "We will be doing everything we can to help these workers find new employment."

The sale of JBT in a management buy-out will safeguard 240 jobs. Clanna, another of the group's companies, has also been declared solvent and will continue to trade.