The sale will include CHAP’s ready-mix concrete facility at Balmedie Quarry, the land and associated planning permission at Muirtack, Ellon and CHAP’s quarrying and ready-mix operation at Park, Drumoak.

Under the conditions of the sale, CHAP will retain ownership of the land at Park as it still plans to pursue its longer-term goal for Kincluny Village on the site.

Hugh Craigie, CHAP’s managing director, said: “We are sad to be leaving the quarrying industry after 40 years, but we are delighted that JKR is going to continue all of our existing operations and retain all of our Quarries personnel. I look forward to following their progress over the coming years.

“We felt it was important that our quarries division was taken on by an independent local operator and we are confident that JKR will build on the good reputation that CHAP has earned for its products and services. It was also critical for us that any buyer understood the importance we put on the land at Park and our plans for Kincluny Village.”

Kevin Taylor, JKR director, added: “JKR has been looking to develop a quarry and concrete products business and this acquisition will allow us to achieve this and cover large areas of Aberdeenshire. We are excited about the prospect of providing our quarry and concrete supplies to new and existing developers, contractors, agricultural, commercial and domestic customers. The new business also complements our existing civil engineering operations, where we have already demonstrated that we can successfully deliver a high-quality service.

“There is common technical and practical expertise in both businesses, and this will help us deliver a first-class service to all our customers. JKR and Chap Group have worked extensively in the past, so there is a good bond of trust between us, and this opportunity ideally met both of our aspirations for the future. We look forward to further developing this new arm of our business over the coming months and years.”