PERSHORE-based Chalcroft Construction continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading force in the construction industry with the launch of its fourth UK operation.

Established in 1979 from its head office at Keytec 7 Business Park, Pershore, Chalcroft has opened new offices on the Laurehill Business Park in Stirling, Scotland. Last year, the company, which also has offices in Cambridge and King's Lynn in Norfolk, had a turnover of about £40 million.

Its Scottish credentials include a contract to build off-site smoking accommodation for Scottish and Newcastle Pub Enterprises and major contracts to extend the National Grid Wireless through Chalcroft's telecommunications arm. It also has a number of development projects for local estate owners.

The expansion comes in the wake of a series of other major contracts for the business, which has already established a reputation in the cold storage and high-care food sector through its successful food project division.

Chalcroft is currently undertaking a conversion project for Solway Foods to build a food processing factory at their plant in Corby, Nor-thants. Work on a 26-bedroom care home for Park House Court in Tenby is also near to completion.

Other recent projects include a £2.8 million contract to build a food processing plant for Zorba foods in Ebbw Vale, south Wales.

Chalcroft won the contract for the new £4.2 million Oasis stores distribution centre and offices in Oxford, and last year completed a new distribution warehouse for mail-order clothing company Damart in Steeton in Yorkshire.

Scott Wilson, operations director at Chalcroft, Per-shore, said: "Chalcroft has established itself in the construction industry. We have an experienced management team and a vastly experienced workforce, all of which is fully supported by consultants and designers."

Chalcroft is also involved in renewable energy projects across the country.