Multipart clinches bus deal

LANCASHIRE parts company Multipart Solutions has won a contract to supply North West bus and coach maker Optare Group.

Multipart, which was bought by its managers in a £20m buyout from its South African parent last year, provides parts and components logistics to the automotive, defence and utility sectors.

The outsourcing deal sees the Chorley-based firm take responsibility for Optare’s aftermarket parts services.

Blackburn-based Optare designs and manufactures single and double deck buses, coaches and smaller vehicles.

The company, which led the move to ‘low floor’ vehicles in the UK, is increasingly focussing on fuel-efficient and higher capacity buses, providing operators with lower emission alternatives to traditional diesel-powered vehicles.

 Multipart was advised in the deal by North West law firm Brabners Chaffe Street.

Corporate partner Tony Harper said: “The trend towards outsourcing is intensifying as companies focus harder on their core competencies while using specialist partners to deliver other aspects of their business more efficiently and cost effectively.

“With its commitment to high quality service standards, Multipart is well placed to capitalise on this development and consolidate its position in the specialist supply chain solutions market.”