In a move planned prior to the coronavirus crisis, the engineering services company said 20 employees at the Bathgate depot of Keltbray Structures are “at risk of redundancy”.

In a statement, the company said: “We have recently announced the proposed closure of our concrete structures project delivery element of Keltbray Structures Limited (KSL) specifically serving the price-driven Scottish market. We are currently consulting with 20 employees directly affected by this proposal at our Bathgate depot, who are therefore at risk of redundancy.”

Keltbray Group also revealed the appointment of Darren James as group chief executive officer (CEO), taking up the role on April 1 when current CEO Brendan Kerr will become the executive chairman.

Having worked for Costain Group PLC for over 30 years, most recently as chief operating officer, Mr James has a wealth of experience in leading high profile programmes for both public and private sector clients, often in highly regulated environments, across the UK.

A civil engineering graduate of the University of Surrey, Darren joined Costain as an industrial placement student progressing through the organisation to the executive board.  Prior to his current role he has held a number of senior positions with significant profit and loss responsibility, including managing director of the £1 billion turnover infrastructure division and an executive board director for 12 years.

Brendan Kerr said: “I am delighted with this appointment and welcome Darren to the Keltbray Group. He brings with him extensive experience across the key UK construction and infrastructure sectors where we operate. I look forward to him leading the team, driving growth through long-term client relationships and delivering on the potential that our unique capabilities create.”

Darren James added: “‘I am delighted to be appointed chief executive of the Keltbray Group and am very much looking forward to working with my new colleagues, customers and stakeholders in meeting today’s challenges and unlocking the special potential the Group has delivering sustained growth going forward.”