ACL fell into financial difficulty late last year and South Durham managing director Brian Hope saw an opportunity to expand in the south of England.

ACL has now become part of South Durham Structures and will continue to trade from its Dorset base guaranteeing jobs for many of its former employees.

Both firms were previously nationwide suppliers but ACL will now cover the Southern regions, Wales and the London areas, and SDS covering all other areas including Scotland.

South Durham said: “Both companies have assisted and worked with all the major principal contractors within the construction industry, and would welcome the opportunity of receiving tender enquiries prior to our re-launch.

“Should the need arise for fabricated steelwork prior to the relaunch, production capacity will be made available at SDS.

“We look forward to being of help and becoming your preferred structural steelwork supplier.”