Waverley TBS' distribution centre hit by oil depot fire
Drinks distributor Waverley TBS (WTBS) has incurred "significant losses" following the weekend's oil depot fire in Hemel Hempstead.
The fire is believed to have damaged Waverley's buildings, which are still standing, affecting its warehouses, stock and office equipment.
Scottish & Newcastle said entry to its subsidiary was likely to be restricted for some time as firefighters attempted to douse the fire, the largest of its kind recorded in peacetime in Europe.
"We can't determine the extent of the damage other from what we're seeing on TV pictures, but we expect the losses to be recoverable through our insurers," an S&N spokesman told thePublican.com.
The company's wine and spirit supplies have been affected but other depots will be able to help, the company said.
Some staff from Hemel Hempstead have been found a temporary new home at Staines. The main WTBS call centre at Felling near Gateshead is unaffected, the spokesman said.
Senior WTBS mangement is meeting today to determine the company's response to the incident, although it is believed the depot will be out of action "for some considerable time".
