UP to 170 jobs could be moved out of Radcliffe under a firm’s plans to relocate.

Expert Logistics, a home delivery firm with its head office in Bury Road, has launched a 90- day consultation on proposals to move to Crewe.

The company’s owners, Horwich-based DRL Holdings, is considering restructuring its warehouses as part of an investment programme to grow the business.

If the proposals are confirmed, most of the work undertaken at the Radcliffe site would be moved to Crewe next February.

Some work would continue in Radcliffe until early 2013.

The 170 employees are mostly involved in warehouse operations.

A company spokesman said no redundancies were planned and all Radcliffe staff would be offered jobs at the new site.

David Ashwell, managing director, said: “Consultation is exactly that and currently no firm decisions have been made while our options are explored fully. Whatever the outcome of the consultation, our staff are our most valuable asset and so we will be doing everything we can to accommodate everyone in our business as we continue to build on our success. What is certain is that we are committed to a base in Radcliffe until early 2013 as an absolute minimum and our consultation period will help us define exactly what shape and form that will take.”

Some workers are concerned about the proposed relocation.

One man, who asked not to be named, said: “That is a long way to travel every day. Most people are doing manual work and can’t afford to travel that far, so they will probably lose their jobs.”

Paul McKenna, area organiser for trade union Usdaw, said: “Early indications are that not all the staff would find it economically viable to make the transition to Crewe and consequently the trade union would be seeking to negotiate redundancy packages for members.

“Discussions between the union and the company are at an early stage.”