Somercotes-based Rowlescourt Engineering, which marked its 40th anniversary this year, has ceased trading — with the loss of 35 jobs.

Administrators from Wilson Field were called into the rail engineering firm in October, after it ran into difficulties due to “increasing pressure” from competition.

Founded in 1977 by John Lynegar and Ronald Collis, the company made specialised point fittings, track-side furniture, signal equipment and rail-vehicle components for clients such as Network Rail, Siemens, Tarmac ABB, Aspin Group and Global Rail Construction.

The company, which was originally based in Pinxton but moved to its present site near Alfreton in the mid-1980s, achieved sales of £1.21 million last year.

Wilson Field director Kelly Burton said: “Despite the previous successes of the company and its reputation in the railway industry, the business has come under increasing pressure within the market. While it is always disappointing when jobs are lost, it also opens the door for new investors.

“This is a rare opportunity to obtain a wide range of unencumbered assets, which could have a number of applications. We are looking to conclude a sale as quickly as possible.”

Among the assets that have been put up for sale are CNC and conventional machine tools and other equipment, office furniture and computers.