A major pet business will remain open in Swadlincote after being saved from administration – but its Burton site will close as part of the plans.

Around 200 jobs have now been saved at Nottingham-based Pedigree Wholesale Just for Pets after the stricken firm had gone into administration. These jobs include the roles at the firm's Swadlincote operation, in Belmont Street.

However, the company has confirmed that it will still be closing its Burton branch, in Salt Walk, next to Coopers Square shopping centre. It has not yet been confirmed how many jobs will be lost as a result.

Burton Animal Hospital, which was located inside the Pets At Home store, is not affected by the closure and has moved its base to new premises at 25, Ashby Road, Burton.

Steve Brown, managing director of Pedigree Wholesale, said: "On hearing that the future of Just for Pets was under threat Pedigree Wholesale felt we could play a role in using our pet business expertise to secure a new future for the business.

"We know Just for Pets has a great reputation for offering outstanding customer service and has developed a loyal customer base so we are pleased that Pedigree Wholesale can now create a future for the business and the brand.

Just for Pets in Burton will be closing after the firm went into administration

"The addition of Just for Pets to the Pedigree Wholesale family reinforces our commitment to investing and driving innovation within the pet sector which we believe will support the interests of all who have a stake in the continued success of our industry.

"We remain committed to developing our core wholesale business and expect to announce further significant investment which will directly support all of our wholesale customers."

Pedigree Wholesale, a pet food and product supplier based in Gamston, Nottinghamshire, has formed PSR Trading to complete the deal, which means that nearly 200 staff from the Just for Pets head office and 18 stores are secured.

Worcestershire-based Just for Pets was placed in administration by its parent, agricultural supplies group, Wynnstay. Day-to-day management of Just for Pets will continue under the direction of its existing management team.

Just for Pets - Burton has gone into administration
Just for Pets - Burton has gone into administration

For the six months to April 30, 2017, Hartlebury-based Just for Pets generated £7 million of revenues, approximately three per cent of Wynnstay's total revenues for the period, and an operating loss of £250,000.

The company's total adjusted operating profit for the same period was £4.24 million.

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