Leeds-based bus manufacturer Optare, has secured one of its biggest export deals, winning a contract to supply over 100 buses to a leading New Zealand public transport operator.

The £21m deal will see Optare supply 114 buses to Tranzit Group, with the buses operating in Wellington and the surrounding area.

With 100 years of history, Optare said that the contract would provide greater security for its 300-strong workforce amid uncertainty around Brexit.

Graham Belgium, president of Optare, said: “This is a significant step for Optare as part of our international export strategy and signals the exciting growth opportunities available to us in Australasia.

“Further, it recognises our continued innovation in lightweight products that use fuel efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.”

Paul Snelgrove, managing director of Tranzit Group, said: “A team of us travelled the world to find the ideal lightweight solution (12-tonne GVM) for New Zealand roads. We were impressed with the lightweight design of the Metrocity combined with the excellent passenger capacities it offers. The design’s reputation for excellent performance with regards to fuel efficiency particularly appealed to us.”