The firm's main holdings company and subsidiaries David McLean Contractors, David McLean Developments and David McLean Homes have all filed for administration.

The property downturn has been blamed for the move.

Accountancy firm Deloittes has been appointed as administrators for the Deeside-based group, which has a turnover of £160m and employs 320 workers.

McLean's house building division will continue to trade as the administrators seek a buyer. The contracting division is to close.