West Yorkshire-based Barrett Steel has acquired a number of British Steel distribution sites around the UK, after Chinese steel maker Jingye’s acquisition of the wider business was agreed earlier this month.

The company is now trading as Barrett Steel North East from Newcastle, Central Steel Services from Wolverhampton and Barrett Steel from Dartford.

The Scunthorpe, Edinburgh and Cheadle sites are being merged into existing depots. This move has seen 75 new people join the company, which now has a network of 30 locations in the UK.

Managing director James Barrett (www.barrettsteel.com) said: “This acquisition provides a great opportunity for the company.

“We are excited to welcome the British Steel teams to our business, and we are positive about the future of the steel industry.”