Dorset-based structural-steel company John Reid & Sons Ltd (ReidSteel) has won a contract for a new hangar at Southend Airport, replacing a fire-damaged building.

The company will fabricate and install the steelwork and cladding for the facility that will be used by Satys Air Livery Ltd for its exterior sealing, painting, spraying and engineering services.

ReidSteel will use its patented V-brace tied ‘arch-span’ design for the 43m clear-span structure (being built with main contractor AW Hardy).

Jordan Laker, ReidSteel’s senior bid manager, said: “The new hangar at Southend Airport will be able to accommodate larger aircraft and support the Airbus A321-NEO, which is frequently used there.

“Although we now provide design, fabrication and installation services across a wide range of sectors, some of our first structures a century ago were hangars.”