Work starts on electrification of Taunton bus depot
Bristol sustainability engineers Unitary Engineering Services (UES) have started work on one of their largest projects to date – the electrification of the First Bus depot in Taunton.
The company, set up in 1986 by Roger Griffiths and now managed by his son Adam, has secured the £1.7m contract for the complete overhaul of the depot.
The project will contribute to 30% of the current annual turnover for the growing building services and renewable specialists, which operates around the south of England and South Wales and employs 20 staff from its base near St George in Bristol.
Teams of engineers on site in Taunton, led by UES project manager Janson MacIver, will perform work including groundworks, steel fabrication, electricians, shopfitting and mechanical, to eventually support the deployment of 26 new buses, increased storage capacity and modernised offices and welfare spaces.
Work is expected to be completed by March next year.
First Bus said the introduction of state-of-the-art electric buses to Somerset’s fleet is entirely new for bus travel in the region and will lead the way in reducing emissions and improving air quality.
“It’s a major project for us,” said Griffiths. “We’re looking forward to deploying the full range of engineers we have available.
“From a technical perspective, the installation of the chargers is something we’re excited to be involved with, as part of an innovative solution for improving the environment for passengers and the community.
“And as a business, taking on major projects like these feels like the culmination of almost four decades of technical excellence in providing efficient, sustainable environments.
“Aside from the significance of this job itself, it’s a launchpad to continued growth in our business as we look to expand our presence and reputation across the region.”
The electrification of First Bus’s depots in Taunton, Minehead, and Weston is the next step in the company’s mission 2035 pledge to operate a fully zero emission fleet.
In March 2024, the company announced an £89m investment in 178 zero-emission buses and infrastructure across four regions of the UK.
Simon Goff, First Bus, South managing director, said: “We are delighted to have appointed UES as the main contractor for the electrification of our depot in Taunton – we were impressed with their commitment to quality and sustainability and the range of services they could provide under one company banner.
“Having partners on board which share our values is really important to us. We’re looking forward to seeing the work progressing.”
Subcontractors involved in the project will be Corkish Construction, SBM Installations & Sentient Electrical Services.
