Optare’s successful contribution to the UK bus industry has been recognised by an official visit to its factory in Sherburn in Elmet, near Leeds, by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO.

The Royal visit included a tour of the factory where His Royal Highness met staff and saw several buses in production, including Optare’s latest hybrid and electric models.

The Optare factory was officially commissioned on a visit by Transport Minister, Norman Baker in 2011, and now employs over 400 people, exports its vehicles as far afield as South Africa and Australia, and has won awards for its market-leading technology.

Enrico Vassallo, CEO, Optare PLC said: “We were very honoured to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, and toescort him on a tour of our facilities at Sherburn in Elmet. He seemed to have a genuine interest in the success of our business in both UK and international markets and our contribution to the local and UK economy. It was a memorable day for all our staff, and underlines what Optare has achieved in recent years.”

For further information please contact:
Rebecca Green, Marketing Co-ordinator
T: +44 (0) 7810 158 415
E: rebecca.green@optare.com