The only information came from a note posted on the front door as customers scratched their heads at the sudden closure of Thomas Warburton on Rooneys Road. 

Five people are believed to have lost their jobs, although it is uncertain if they will be redeployed elsewhere in the company that has stores around Australia. Store management would not comment on the closure and The Standard was unable to reach the company’s managing director. 

A note on a door told customers “due to a company restructure this branch is relocating to Ballarat”. It is understood staff members were only given the news on Wednesday — a day before the shutdown. 

Work crews spent yesterday afternoon removing signs at the front of the store. 

One customer said he was sad to see the business close. It had been operating since 2007. 

Thomas Warburton is owned by the Wurth group, headed by  German billionaire Dr Reinhold Wurth. In 2008, the 79-year-old arrived in style, flying his private helicopter into Warrnambool to celebrate his company’s purchase of the Thomas Warburton group. 

According to Forbes, the company boss is worth $8.5 billion.