A major employer could axe as many as 150 jobs as it announces plans to pull out of its Bolton depot.
Oliver Kay Produce runs a large warehouse at the business park on Britannia Way but bosses have revealed plans to relocate operations to Bradford.
Ian Stuart, managing director of produce at parent company Bidfresh, said the move was the result of financial pressures brought on by the coronavirus crisis.
The company says it is in talks with staff to try to "mitigate" job losses but it is believed that as many as 150 roles could be under threat.
In a statement, Mr Stuart said: "Following the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the hospitality sector, Oliver Kay Produce is currently undertaking a number of structural and operational changes within its business.
"This will not only secure the future of the company, but also enable it to remain agile and adapt to customers’ changing needs during these uncertain times.
"Part of the restructure plan will see Oliver Kay relocate from its previous premises in Bolton to a new home in larger premises in Bradford.
"This site will become a new northern hub, known as Oliver Kay Bradford, cementing our position as the fresh produce specialist for the wider Bidfood group, and creating new supply opportunities and synergies that will fuel future growth."
While Mr Stuart did not say how many jobs would be lost in the move, he did confirm that some roles were under threat.
"Whilst we are unable to sustain our team at its current size, we are working hard to do our utmost to support those affected," he said.
"To this end, we will be consulting with elected employee representatives to look at ways of avoiding, mitigating and reducing the impact of these changes.
"No one could’ve anticipated the impact Covid-19 would have on our business, and whilst this is a difficult time, we take the future of our employees very seriously and are committed to supporting those affected as best we can."
Oliver Kay Produce ships fresh fruit and vegetables around the country, mainly to restaurants and hotels. The company was set up in Bolton 25 years ago.
It was initially a family firm, but was sold to South African-based company Bidfresh in 2012.
