Solus in gear with 30-job Wearside repair centre

A vehicle repair firm is creating around 30 jobs in a North East expansion.

Solus is opening a garage at Washington’s Hillthorn Park.

Bosses say the 21,500sq ft Wearside site will open in the autumn and operate as the company’s first dedicated North East repair centre.

Roles will include managers, repair consultants, technicians and assessors.

Simon Smith, managing director of Solus, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of insurer Aviva, said: “By opening this centre, we can continue delivering great outcomes for customers across the region, helping them get back behind the wheel as quickly and safely as possible.”

Based close to the International Advanced Manufacturing Park, the £60 million Hillthorn Park is being developed by Legal & General.

Once complete, officials say the site – which has also received Government, North East Local Enterprise Partnership and European Regional Development Fund cash – will deliver 620,000sq ft of warehouse space.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for business, housing and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “Solus choosing to open its first North East hub at Hillthorn Park is brilliant news for the city.

“Creating high-quality, skilled jobs for local people, it further drives home the strength of the city’s automotive industry.”

Solus’ Sunderland expansion will be matched by similar investments in Sheffield and Exeter.

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