A DARLINGTON bridge builder has reported profits of £4 million – up £1.5m on the previous year.

It is the second successive profitable year for Cleveland Bridge UK Ltd, after many years of losses, and follows a management shake-up in 2015.

The company has secured a number of UK and international projects for 2017 and 2018, which will support further growth in turnover – forecast to be in the region of £44.2m this year and £60m in 2018.

In addition to its well-established fabrication and erection of bridges, the company has also returned to the Building Structures and Bridge Services markets, sectors in which it has previous extensive experience and skills.

The company employs more than 300 people, including 23 apprentices, and contractors on its 22-acre site on Yarm Road, Darlington, which has the capacity to process 1,000 tonnes of steel every week.

Chris Droogan, managing director, said: “The focus and ability of the new management team, supported by our talented, skilled and dedicated workforce has enabled the business to not only achieve a second successive year of profit, but deliver a significant increase.

“The investments we have made in our facilities, equipment, processes and people are ensuring that Cleveland Bridge UK can successfully continue an engineering legacy of 200 years, which has seen the company achieve a global reputation across six continents.

“We are well-placed to benefit from continued infrastructure investment in domestic and international markets, which will enable the company to strengthen its market share and underpin profit and growth expectations.”