CONSTRUCTION Group GSE has secured a major boost to its plant hire capacity with the acquisition of Murston Plant and will now be one of the largest operators in the South East.

Ashford-based Murston Plant has a £2m turnover and a workforce of 40.

GSE is also based in Ashford and chief executive Darrell Healey said the move will nearly double the hire capacity of the company.

He said: "Murston Plant is a first rate business and when combined with our own GSE Plant gives us one of the biggest operations in the South East.

"We are strategically well sited, with Ashford itself set for fast track growth and a series of major developments planned for Thames Gateway, to which we have easy access."

The Murston Plant workforce will move to GSE Plant as one integrated plant hire business is created.

Murston Construction managing director Roy Allan said his company had taken the decision to focus on its residential property interests.

He said: "The management of both companies have known each other for a long time and I am confident that the new plant hire operation will enjoy considerable success. The move makes good sense for both companies."

The merger will take effect immediately.