Global civil engineering company Roadbridge collapses with more than 100 jobs at risk

Global civil engineering company Roadbridge has collapsed with more than 100 Scottish jobs at risk.

The majority of the international construction company’s employees in the UK are based in Scotland.

Around 130 people work for Roadbridge with its Scottish base in Righead Industrial Estate, Bellshill, North Lanarkshire.

The business has entered receivership having faced “insurmountable financial challenges”, a statement said.

Work in progress on the £19m expansion of Greenock Ocean Terminal dry dock. Handout

Uddingston and Bellshill MSP Stephanie Callaghan said: “I am dismayed at the news that Roadbridge has been placed in receivership. My thoughts are with the 130 staff employed at the Bellshill site in my constituency and this will be a truly anxious time for many local families.

“Roadbridge has a long and proud history, working on some of Scotland’s major civil engineering projects. This is a huge blow locally and I will commence working immediately with all stakeholders in an effort to save these highly skilled jobs. I will leave no stone unturned.”

Founded in 1967, and headquartered in Limerick, Ireland, the civil engineering company directly employs 215 people in the UK.

Nigel Morrison, Stuart Preston and Philip Stephenson of Grant Thornton have been appointed as the receivers after the board of Roadbridge Holdings Ltd requested Bank of Ireland make the move.

Chairman of Roadbridge, Aidan Murphy, said: “We have been working tirelessly for the last number of months to find a solution to the grave challenges faced by the company.

“My fellow directors and I greatly regret having to take this step, but unfortunately, it was the only possible option at this time.

“The Board recognise the support of all our stakeholders, including our bank, Bank of Ireland in difficult circumstances as the directors explored every opportunity to save the company.

“We are committed to working closely with the receivers now in order to get the best possible outcome for employees, creditors and stakeholders.”

Roadbridge has been involved in some of Scotland’s largest civil engineering projects.

It worked on the extension to the existing Whitelee windfarm creating one of the largest in Europe.

The company was the principal contractor on Creag Riabhach Windfarm, in Lairg, Sutherland, and the Beinn an Tuirc Windfarm, in Argyll and Bute.

It formed a joint venture with building contractor Farrans to design and construct the A737 Dalry Bypass, in Ayrshire.

Peel Ports contracted Roadbridge to build the Greenock Ocean Terminal cruise berth.

The company was contracted on ERG’s Sandy Knowe Windfarm project in Kirkconnel, Dumfries and Galloway.