Bristol sustainability engineering firm Unitary Engineering Services has started work on one of its largest projects to date – the electrification of First Bus’s Taunton depot.
The company, set up in 1986 by Roger Griffiths and now managed by his son Adam. It has grown into one of the South of England and South Wales’s leading building services and renewable specialists, employing 20 staff. 
The £1.7m First Bus contract – which will account for nearly a third of the firm’s annual turnover this year – involves a complete overhaul of the site.
This will lead to the introduction of state-of-the-art electric buses to First’s Somerset’s fleet – a first for the region and that will lead the way in reducing emissions and improving air quality.
Teams of on-site engineers, led by UES project manager Janson MacIver, will carry out a range of services including groundworks, steel fabrication, electricals, shopfitting and mechanicals, enabling the depot to eventually support 26 new buses along with increased storage capacity and modernised offices and welfare spaces.
The work, which began in November, is expected to be completed by March next year.
Adam Griffiths, pictured, above centre, with site manager Shane Quaintance and Janson MacIver of UES, said: “It’s a major project for us and we’re looking forward to deploying the full range of engineers we have available. 
“From a technical perspective, the installation of the chargers is something we’re excited to be involved with, as part of an innovative solution for improving the environment for passengers and the community.
“And as a business, taking on major projects like these feels like the culmination of almost four decades of technical excellence in providing efficient, sustainable environments.
“Aside from the significance of this job itself, it’s a launchpad to continued growth in our business as we look to expand our presence and reputation across the region.”
The electrification of First Bus’s depot in Taunton, along with those in Minehead and Weston-super-Mare, is the next step in the company’s mission 2035 pledge to operate a fully zero-emission fleet.
Last March it announced an £89m investment in 178 zero-emission buses and infrastructure across four regions of the UK.
First Bus South managing director Simon Goff said: “We are delighted to have appointed UES as the main contractor for the electrification of our depot in Taunton.
“We were impressed with their commitment to quality and sustainability and the range of services they could provide under one company banner.
“Having partners on board which share our values is really important to us. We’re looking forward to seeing the work progressing.”
Subcontractors involved in the project will be Somerset-based Corkish Construction, and SBM Installations & Sentient Electrical Services – both based in Bristol.
