A BELEAGUERED Droitwich Spa depot is set to be snapped up by a supermarket giant, according to a business document.

Christian Salvesen's financial report for 2001 indicates its town site will be bought by Sainsbury's.

The distribution centre, which employs 574 workers at the Berry Hill Industrial Estate, was due to close in July after losing its major contract - with Sainsbury's.

The supermarket originally said it was pulling out of Droitwich as part of a national distribution shake-up.

But Salvesen's report says: "We anticipate a further £10m will be received this year including the sale of the Droitwich site to Sainsbury's when the contract terminates."

The news has angered many workers.

Paul Houghton, of Little Hill Court, was employed in the firm's warehouse for more than 18 years. He worked his last shift on Saturday after taking redundancy.

The 49-year-old said: "When the report was circulated many people, including me, could not believe Sainsbury's was taking over.

"We feel Salvesen has left us in the dark. Bosses must have known about this deal when they announced job losses."

The father-of-three added: "I think the firm believed workers were being too highly paid.

"I've seen new equipment being brought into the depot. Why are our jobs being axed if a new owner is to buy the factory?"

Salvesen bosses would not comment and Sainsbury's was unavailable for comment.