Around 25 staff transferred over to HTC in August along with nearly 40 tower cranes made by Liebherr and Potain, four crawler cranes and four rough terrain cranes.

All the the fleet will be available for rental by the end of the year joining the Harrington Group’s extensive Wolff fleet of luffing and saddle jib cranes.

An exclusive supply arrangement has been agreed between Kier and HTC to ensure continuity of service coupled with the agreed hire of Kier tower cranes from HTC for the duration of the agreement.

“All other external customers have been informed of the sale. The business will initially operate from the depot at Setchey in conjunction with the HTC depot and cranes based at Sheffield.

Kier Group chief executive, Paul Sheffield, said: “It is important for us to respond to changing market conditions and, by focusing on our core business and building on our strengths, we can ensure that Kier remains a strong and resilient business as it continues to grow.”

Last year Kier disposed of most of its smaller plant fleet in a deal which raised £16m.

The contractor’s temporary accommodation firm was hived off to Wernick Hire for £11.7m.

While Ashtead Plant Hire bought the mechanical plant and small tools unit for £4m.