Politicians ‘optimistic’ buyer will rescue famous engineering firm

Cleveland Bridge in Darlington has been involved in famous engineering feats across the world.
North East engineering plant Cleveland Bridge built Wembley’s famous arch (John Walton/PA)
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Tom Wilkinson21 July 2021

A group of politicians are “optimistic” that a buyer can be found to rescue a historic engineering business.

The Darlington-based Cleveland Bridge business employs around 200 people and has a proud record of engineering feats, including working on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Wembley arch and the Shard skyscraper.

But according to reports, it has hit financial difficulties.

The Tees Valley mayor, Ben Houchen, as well as Paul Howell and Peter Gibson, Tory MPs for Sedgefield and Darlington issued a joint statement, saying the firm had a strong order book.

They said: “Our number one priority right now is making sure that Cleveland Bridge’s 200 members of staff, and their families, are supported at this difficult and uncertain time, and we will be working with Darlington Council and Government to ensure they get whatever support they need. “Cleveland Bridge is a business with an amazing heritage that has been responsible for some of the world’s most iconic structures, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Shard skyscraper in London.

“The skills of its workers are second to none and have led to the company having an enviable global reputation. “The company has a full order book for the next 18 months, this coupled with the firm’s history, expertise and highly skilled workforce makes us optimistic that a buyer will come forward quickly for this iconic business.

“But it is critical that local jobs are protected as part of any deal to buy Cleveland Bridge.”

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