A WORLD-FAMOUS bridge builder has reported its first profits in four years after securing a catalogue of lucrative contracts.

Cleveland Bridge, in Darlington, is carrying out projects across the UK.

The Northern Echo can reveal its order book has been bolstered by work to install the 57-metre long Agricola Bridge over the River Swale, near Catterick Racecourse, as part of the A1 upgrade.

It also has an agreement to supply a number of links to improve connectivity around Aberdeen and North-East Scotland and has supplied more than 1,000 tonnes of steelwork to extend the Paddington and Bond Street rail stations.

Bosses say the strong demand will help the company maintain its momentum, which has been accelerated under the guidance of new management.

The business recorded profits of £2.5m for the year to December 31, which come against losses of £7m in the previous year when the firm’s former regime was hit by issues on a significant contract.

Turnover in 2015 was also higher at £51.5m.

The company, owned by Al Rushaid Petroleum Investment Company, is making various structures for the A1, ranging from 80 tonnes to 400 tonnes, to help transform the route into a motorway between Barton and Leeming, in North Yorkshire, which include the Agricola, fitted earlier this month, and Kneeton Lane Bridge, installed in March.

It will also supply approach roads for the Queensferry Crossing, which will span Scotland’s River Forth.

Chris Droogan, managing director at Cleveland Bridge, which employs nearly 300 people and was involved in the construction of Australia’s Sydney Harbour Bridge, said the business is well placed to continue its growth.

He said: “The efforts of the new management team, together with the commitment of our workforce and the support of our owners, have enabled the business to return to profit.

“Cleveland Bridge has been a cornerstone of the British steel industry for more than 150 years and we are building on that legacy and global reputation.

“Through continued investment and increased activity in international sales, we aim to maintain our profitability and secure our position and reputation for high-quality.”

The Northern Echo previously revealed Cleveland Bridge will make more crossings for jungles and rural areas in Sri Lanka after an initial £35m deal in 2013 to produce more than 200 structures.

It is understood fabrication will be completed this year with the last bridges due for installation in the Southern Asia country in early 2018.

The crossings will provide better access to education, healthcare and jobs by replacing rope and bamboo structures, which are often washed away in the rainy season.

Since its inception, Cleveland Bridge has built some of the world’s most iconic structures.

The group was involved in erecting the Victoria Falls Bridge, which spans the River Zambesi, in Southern Africa, and in 1911 designed Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge.

Further examples of its North-East work include the Infinity and Surtees bridges, in Stockton, and the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle.