JOBS have been saved after a former civil engineering firm's quarry was sold to another company.

Administrators Grant Thornton says Marsden Quarry, previously owned by Owen Pugh Aggregates Limited, is now under the control of O’Brien Aggregate Marsden Limited.

Joint administrators Chris Petts and David Dunckley say the deal has saved all jobs at the site.

The Northern Echo has asked officials for a figure on the employment number,

The sale of Marsden Quarry, near Sunderland, to O’Brien Aggregate Marsden, run by businessman Gordon O’Brien, follows the administration of the wider Owen Pugh group in October last year.

The deal is the culmination of several months of discussions between the joint administrators, O’Brien Aggregate Marsden, and their respective advisors.

Mr Petts said: “I would like to personally thank all of the retained employees of Marsden Quarry for their support during this difficult period and I am very pleased to have been able to repay their support by securing a going concern sale to such a reputable local businessman in Gordon O’Brien.”

Mr O’Brien added: "There has been a lot of hard work in completing this deal and now we can focus on the operations.

"Safeguarding the current jobs and creating a further 30 jobs for the area along with others within the local supply chain.

"We are meeting with Councillor Tracey Dixon to discuss plans for the site.

The joint administrators were advised on the transaction by law firm DLA Piper and commercial property company GVA.

O’Brien Aggregate Marsden was advised by Newcastle-based law firm Muckle.