OPUS shines bright with Wearside bridge light deal

A mechanical and electrical engineering firm has capped a record-breaking year with a landmark contract.

OPUS Building Services is working on a £1.5 million project to fit lighting to Sunderland’s New Wear Footbridge.

The deal comes as the Boldon-based company toasts best-ever annual turnover of £19 million following a string of lucrative schemes alongside clients including the NHS.

And bosses say it is well placed to grow yet further, with “unrelenting ambition” making its “possibilities endless”.

The company is working with civil engineer VolkerStevin to illuminate the underside of the footway’s service tunnel, which runs the length of the 250-metre bridge that will connect Sunderland city centre to the Sheepfolds leisure hub. 

Work is expected to be completed next summer.

Gavin Richardson, managing director of OPUS, which employs a team of 80, said: “The past year has seen unprecedented growth for the company.

“And we are well equipped to continue delivering projects to this scale and beyond, thanks to our highly-skilled and dedicated workforce.

“It’s an extremely exciting time and there is a burning desire to continue to be best-in-class and to grow. 

“It is so meaningful to have been appointed by VolkerStevin; it is fantastic to see a company of vast scale appreciate the talent we have here in the region.

“As someone who was born and still lives in Sunderland, I am thrilled OPUS will leave its mark on Wearside history.”

The success comes just days after OPUS Building Services’ sister operation OPUS Major Projects predicted “a very successful future” after sealing a raft of schemes in its first year.

The firm is targeting £10 million-plus turnover after a £1.7 million contract to refurbish the former 35,000sq ft Barclays wealth management building, on Newcastle Quayside.

The business was formed last year after OPUS bosses swooped to secure the services of 50 Integral UK staff left with uncertain futures after the company stopped tendering for main contractors across the North East and UK.

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