Materials giant Wolseley is to employ up to 200 of the 2300 people made redundant last week by car maker Peugeot.

High production and logistical costs resulted in Peugeot's decision to axe jobs at its Ryton plant in Coventry, but some workers could find employment at Wolesley's new products distribution centre in nearby Royal Leamington Spa.

The 35,000 m2 centre is due to open in late July. Bob Mason, Wolseley's human resources director, has contacted his counterpart at Peugeot to find suitable applicants for the 200 available posts. The centre's opening date coincides with Peugeot's timetable to reduce staff and slowly close its plant, a process it will start in mid-summer.

The new distribution centre is located next to Wolseley's UK corporate headquarters.

  • Wolseley this week announced four acquisitions costing a combined £42m. They are expected to add £93m to the group's turnover, and mean that Wolseley has bought 39 firms since August.