More than 20 jobs to go with Downer closures

Downer area manager Mike Reilly said 22 people in total were employed in the Westport, Greymouth, Springs Junction and Reefton offices. About 12 of those were in Westport. Photo / Thinkstock

More than 20 jobs will be lost when Downer closes its West Coast offices at the end of August.

Area manager Mike Reilly said 22 people in total were employed in the Westport, Greymouth, Springs Junction and Reefton offices. About 12 of those were in Westport.

The business would be closing on the Coast as a result of losing the roading maintenance contract to Fulton Hogan.

The New Zealand Transport Authority had combined what was previously three contracts into one large contract for roading on the Coast, which was won by Fulton Hogan, he said.

Sicon Ferguson announced in May that 50 jobs would be going in Greymouth and Whataroa as a result losing the contract.

Mr Reilly said "quite a few" Downer employees had had interviews with Fulton Hogan and WestReef. Others were relocating to other Downer offices throughout New Zealand.

"That's just the way business goes, sometimes you lose a contract and when you do you've got to make decisions."

The Buller District Council could not be reached for comment.