O’Rourke was part of a consortium which saved Bison in 2008 when the company fell into receivership.

A Laing O’Rourke spokesperson told the Enquirer:  “Bison is a company with a strong heritage and brand reputation.  Laing O’Rourke assumed full ownership of the Group in January 2012 and is totally committed to securing its long term future.

“The continued depressed state of the construction and manufacturing markets has led to a decline in demand for core Bison products with losses being made.

“This situation cannot be allowed to continue and decisive action is necessary to ensure a successful future for the business.

“Therefore it is with regret that we today informed our Uddingston workforce that following a review of the future pipeline of opportunities, we are proposing that on completion of current orders, we will close the Uddingston plant.

“This proposal places 55 roles at risk of redundancy.

“It is also with regret that we today informed our Swadlincote workforce that following a review of the future pipeline of opportunities, we are proposing a reduction in the shift pattern, matching output capacity to demand levels and aligning costs accordingly.

“The proposals also suggest that we merge and relocate a number of central overhead positions with Laing O’Rourke’s Explore Industrial Park near Worksop.

“This proposal places 70 roles at risk of redundancy.

“Our priority is to support our workforce through this unsettling time and over the coming weeks we will be consulting them around the details of this proposal.”