It is reported that acquisitive steelwork contractors are circling collapsed Yorkshire steel fabricator Allerton, after four companies in the group went into administration.

As per report, Allerton Group, Allerton Industries, Allerton Engineering and Allerton Bridges were all put into the protection of administration due to cash flow pressures.

The 50 year old firm is best known for its work on the Skanska's GBP 242 million Heron Tower project in London. It won a deal last year to manufacture 3,000 tonnes of the heavier, complex basement support steelwork elements for Severfield Rowen.

It is not known how Allerton's fall into administration will affect progress on the Heron Tower. Skanska and Severfield Rowen were not available to comment. It has also worked on the recent redevelopment of Landsdowne Road Stadium in Dublin.

Mr Hunter Kelly joint administrator of Ernst & Young indicated that he would attempt to sell Allerton Bridges and Allerton engineering as a going concern. He said that "The underlying business of Allerton Engineering and Allerton Bridges is profitable with a strong order book and a highly skilled workforce. We have already received expressions of interest from potential purchasers and are hopeful of achieving a successful outcome."

In the meantime, the businesses, which employ 100 people are continuing to trade as their facilities in Northallerton.

(Sourced from www.contractjournal.com)