|
Optare
Mar 19, 2008 12:09:20 GMT 1
Post by guyarab on Mar 19, 2008 12:09:20 GMT 1
According to "Bus & Coach", Optare has been bought out by a new investment company, Jamesstan (headed by Darwen Group's chairman Ray Stanley).
According to the article Optare will continue with "business as normal".
For how long I would ask?
|
|
|
Optare
Mar 19, 2008 18:10:30 GMT 1
Post by jack97 on Mar 19, 2008 18:10:30 GMT 1
not good news then if they close the factory in leeds.
|
|
kendall17
Forum Member
Justice for the 96!
Posts: 4,514
|
Optare
Mar 19, 2008 19:34:51 GMT 1
Post by kendall17 on Mar 19, 2008 19:34:51 GMT 1
it was reported in the YEP t'other night that they're looking to move sites and selling their land with planning permission for new flats/houses. could be good for expansion for the firm though
|
|
|
Optare
Mar 19, 2008 20:30:28 GMT 1
Post by Burnside on Mar 19, 2008 20:30:28 GMT 1
Hope they stay in Leeds though.
|
|
kendall17
Forum Member
Justice for the 96!
Posts: 4,514
|
Optare
Mar 19, 2008 21:52:06 GMT 1
Post by kendall17 on Mar 19, 2008 21:52:06 GMT 1
Hope they stay in Leeds though. oh yeah totally agree, would like to see the old roe factory stay though
|
|
|
Optare
Mar 19, 2008 23:36:59 GMT 1
Post by jackh on Mar 19, 2008 23:36:59 GMT 1
I think Optare did look at occupying the old Barmbo site on the other side of the road. However somewhere like Sherburn-in-Elmet trading estate would make a nice site.
Also if you read the article, the original planning application for a housing development was rejected by the council. However they have re-submitted a plan to the council. (Off-topic though!) There are some pros and cons to the site being redevoped as it is brownfield therefore potentially protecting green belt land, on the other hand means more traffic down in Cross Gates.
Back to the point, I hope that Ray Stanley makes a better job of Optare than he has done at Darwen! And lets face it, operators who have made orders from Darwen are regretting it because of orders being delayed including Arrivas! Rumour has it that Darwen may face bankruptcy
With regards to the Cross Gates carriageworks, I think it is time to call it a day there as it wouldn't be justifiable to rebuild the site or make any major refurbishment to the site. The building is getting old there and the factory has to halt production annually to repair the roof etc! Which is lucky for the Leeds staff as they get an extra week off compared to their colleagues at Hellaby which is a relatively new facility.
It would be nice though if the site was demolished that the art-deco front which is attracting was kept, I'm sure a few flats could be made from that!
|
|
|
Optare
Mar 20, 2008 11:49:29 GMT 1
Post by do74 on Mar 20, 2008 11:49:29 GMT 1
I think we should give this news a cautious welcome. It appears Ray Stanley has designs on creating a large bus building group to rival ADL. So anything that breaks that near monopoly has to be good news. If you look at the current portfolio there is an impressive list of expertise there. Lets hope they make a good job of it.
|
|
optj
Newbie
Posts: 1
|
Optare
May 22, 2008 19:42:51 GMT 1
Post by optj on May 22, 2008 19:42:51 GMT 1
|
|
|
Optare
May 24, 2008 22:46:16 GMT 1
Post by topman on May 24, 2008 22:46:16 GMT 1
Wright and ADL will flourish once again as orders for Darwen and now Optare don't materialize and are transferred.
|
|