Family-owned Cogent Passenger Seating is celebrating with bus users from across South Wales thanks to an order placed by First Cymru to upgrade and makeover 90 vehicles in its fleet.
First Cymru’s £360,000 investment on almost half of its fleet follows on from the addition of 112 new vehicles in the past two years.
Cogent Passenger Seating, based in Swansea, is doing much of the interior remodelling and the contract was celebrated this afternoon in a visit by Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart. Two extra jobs have been created by Cogent, which expects to have changed the old moquette seats for new leather ones on the 90 buses by the end of the month.
Cogent, which was set up in 1996, employs 22 people.
Owner and Managing Director Roger Pownall said: “While we are busy supplying coach builders and convertors in the UK and Europe, as well as exporting to Hong Kong and Australia, it is marvellous to be chosen by First Cymru as a preferred supplier and especially nice to see our refurbishing displayed so well and abundantly.
“I can’t help smiling every time I see our seats in First Vehicles driving past and hope they give passengers a better journey experience.”
First Cymru Managing Director Justin Davies said: “We know our passengers will welcome the investment we’re making in our buses, understanding the benefits that it brings to them in terms of a more comfortable ride and nicer environment in which to travel. But there is also a hidden benefit of this work too.
“By working with this local business we are contributing directly to the local economy, helping Cogent secure its position in the industry, while keeping this investment within Swansea. We’re pleased to be able to work with a firm that is both well known, trusted, and on our doorstep.”
