Northern Ireland bus manufacturer Wrightbus is set to supply up to 1,000 zero-emission buses across the UK as it embarks on a significant expansion programme, increasing production by 40% and creating 1,000 new jobs over the next two years.
The Ballymena-based firm also revealed plans to invest £5 million in developing the UK’s first long-distance hydrogen coach, capable of travelling 1,000km (621 miles) on a single refuelling of its hydrogen fuel cells. The move forms part of a wider £25 million research and development initiative to advance zero-emission transport technologies.
Best known for designing the modern take on London’s iconic Routemaster bus, Wrightbus has undergone a dramatic transformation since collapsing into administration in 2019. The company was rescued by Jo Bamford, son of JCB chairman Lord Bamford, who set out to reinvent it as a global leader in clean transport.
Today, 95% of its production is zero-emission, a stark contrast to the pre-pandemic years when 95% of its output was diesel-powered. The manufacturer now produces a mix of battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, with three-quarters of its output destined for the UK’s growing clean bus market, including major orders from Transport for London.
At an event at its headquarters, attended by Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Wrightbus outlined its ambitious plans. Production will rise from 1,000 buses in 2023 to 1,200 this year, reaching 1,400 by 2026, while the workforce will expand from 1,500 to 2,500.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
