LOSS-MAKING building firm Ballast Construction South East has won the support of its Dutch masters. At a cocktail reception to celebrate the firm's move to Crossways Dartford, senior staff were told there "was light at the end of the tunnel".

Ballast Construction South East has struggled more than the company's other regional offices to make consistent profits despite a buoyant building sector in London and the South East. It recently closed its offices in Hall Place, Harbledown, near Canterbury, and Bromley, with the loss of several jobs, consolidating the remaining workforce - around 70 - in Riverbridge House.

There had been speculation that the Dutch parent company Ballast Nedam, which has already disposed of its beloved dredging operation, wanted to sell its regional construction arm but could not find a suitable buyer.

Speaking at the Hilton Hotel Dartford Bridge, Ballast Nedam strategic planning director Coen van Haeringen said the company was committed to Ballast Construction South East and would be investing in it. He congratulated Paul Weaver, regional managing director, and his staff. "I'm absolutely sure it's going to be a great success and I think we are all on the right track," he said. "It's been extremely difficult over the past year."

Ballast bought the long-established Kent firm Wiltshier - founded nearly 200 years ago - in the early 1990s. In spite of its regional problems, Ballast Plc is one of Britain's top 10 contractors. Projects include the redevelopment of St James' Park, Newcastle United Football Club's home ground, and construction of the Bolton Arena.