The company delivered the ambitious redevelopment project in Kirkcudbright for pâté manufacturers Castle MacLellan Foods - and managed to do so while ensuring the facility remained operational throughout.

Among the highlights of the complex works programme were a new freezer building with a dry goods facility attached, a new goods-in area - which was completed while accommodating regular deliveries throughout the day - a distribution corridor, additional storage buildings, and new staff areas.

A striking new entrance building was also linked to the existing offices, creating a dynamic public frontage.

The expansion project began in January 2014 and, across several challenging phases, was completed on target in October.

It was officially opened earlier this month, allowing Castle MacLellan’s 80 full-time staff and 160 seasonal staff to realise a 50 per cent increase in production capacity.

More than 1,000 tonnes of pâté could now be produced annually at the factory.

Construction director, John Wilkinson said: “There were many unique challenges for Esh Border Construction on this project.

“Certainly, maintaining an operational facility while redevelopment works took place is no mean feat.

“Castle MacLellan continued operations right the way through, even when the new services were going in, and we’re pleased that through our collaborative approach, we were able to help them achieve that.

“I believe this was down to the planning and hard work of everyone involved – from the site manager to the great contractors we had on board.

“The factory opening took place in February with everyone involved receiving recognition for getting the job done and doing it well.

“However, the clearest message was that there had been huge effort and collaboration on all sides, and that everyone had carefully accommodated each other’s needs.”

Elaine McConnell, general manager at Castle MacLellan added: “Esh Border Construction did a fantastic job – they listened to what we needed and delivered it to a high standard. We’re really pleased to be able to make our pâtés in the new facility.”

Esh Border has firmly established its place in Scotland with a clutch of new business wins and the opening of a new base in Livingston.

It is currently working on several Scottish contracts including a £1.4m deal with Gullane Golf Course, renovating it in advance of this year’s Scottish Open; £6.4m of contracts on two social housing programmes in Hawick; and a £2.7m contract for three projects at NHS Lothian.