PORTEX is to shut down its warehouse in Folkestone with the loss of 44 jobs. The medical supplies manufacturer, based in Boundary Road, Hythe, will now concentrate on its main business with the distribution work being taken on by a company specialising in deliveries.

The company's managing director, Martin Jamieson, broke the news this week during a regular presentation to staff about Portex's performance. It was revealed the plan is to shut the doors of the warehouse in Kingsmead in the Park Farm Estate in May. Talks with unions were arranged immediately.

Folkestone and Hythe MP Michael Howard was also told about the job losses and is working to ensure all those involved will have immediate access to employment schemes and the benefit of employment advice on site.

Portex spokesman Richard Bayliss said: "The warehousing operation is not one of the core activities in terms of developing the company for the future and after an examination of the business the decision was taken to close it. The company is operating in difficult times, so it is a regrettable decision because of the effect on jobs, but a necessary one."