New factory for Optare

BLACKBURN bus maker Optare is planning to switch production to a new factory in the new year.

It will move from its current base at Whitebirk to the former Corus site at the Walker Business Park in Guide where it has taken a lease on 280,000 sq ft.
 
Chief executive Andrew Brian said: “Optare is in the middle of an exciting phase of development and expansion which will see it establish the UK’s most advanced bus manufacturing plant here in Blackburn.

“This will provide a boost to the local economy both in terms of direct employment and through other local firms with which we do business.”

AIM-listed Optare was formed in July following a £16m reverse takeover of Leeds-based Optare Group by Blackburn bus maker the Darwen Group.