Postie move 'costly'

Postie Plus Group's decision to move most of its Westport warehouse operation to Christchurch has cost the company an "extremely efficient operation", former managing director Paul Young says.

The listed clothing company's Westport-based warehousing has been in operation for 25 years.

Postie also moved its Schooltex uniforms business and its initial distribution of stock to Christchurch last month. Its core Westport staff fell from 70 to about 27.

It will review the future of its remaining Westport division for stock replenishment next month.

Young said Postie had cheaper, more skilled staff and cheaper warehousing in Westport.

Postie's chief executive Ron Boskell said it was more efficient to have warehousing in one place in Christchurch than spread across multiple warehouses in Westport. Postie shares last traded at 69 cents. They have traded between 67 cents and $1 in the last year.

- NZPA