Solus to open North East repair centre in Sunderland

Solus, a wholly-owned subsidiary of insurer Aviva, is to create around 30 jobs with the opening of a new vehicle repair centre in Sunderland.

The company - which operates a nationwide network of vehicle damage repair centres - repairs and manages the loss of vehicles after a driving accident or incident, managing a third of Aviva's overall motor damage claims.

The 21,500sq ft repair centre, at Hillthorn Park, Washington, will be the company's first dedicated repair centre for the North East, supporting Aviva's motor insurance customers in the region.

Once operational in the Autumn, the site will create around 30 jobs, ranging from repair consultants and technicians to customer care roles.

Solus recently announced it would also be opening new sites in Sheffield and Exeter, to complement its existing network of 22 centres across the UK.

Simon Smith, Managing Director at Solus, said: "We are extremely proud to open our new branch here at Hillthorn Park - the first site in the North East of England.

"By opening this centre, we can continue delivering great outcomes for our customers across the region, helping them to get back behind the wheel as quickly and as safely as possible."

Situated just a short drive from the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) and within an hour's drive from Newcastle International Airport, the £60million Hillthorn Park is being developed by Legal & General.

Once complete, the site, supported by funding from central government, the North East LEP and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) - will deliver 620,000sq ft of prime industrial space in Washington, with 11 commercial buildings ranging in size from 21,550 - 124,250 sq ft.

Cllr Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for business, housing and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: "Solus choosing to open its first North East hub at Hillthorn Park is brilliant news for the city.

"Creating high quality, skilled jobs for local people, it further drives home the strength of the city's automotive industry and the appealing proposition we are able to offer businesses seeking to grow their operations in the North of England.

"We are delighted to welcome them to the city and look forward to working with the company as they continue to establish roots in the city."

The company is now actively recruiting for multiple roles at its new Sunderland centre, including management positions, consultants, technicians and assessors.

To view the full list of roles or to apply, visit: https://www.solusarc.co.uk/home/careers/

For more information on Sunderland as a place to do business, visit: https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/business-and-investment