Wrightbus reveals further £5.5m investment

Bus manufacturer, Wrightbus International have announced a £5.5 million investment to develop and manufacture electric zero emission vehicles for international markets, and to train and upskill staff.

This latest investment announcement comes a few months after they announced plans to build a new factory to support chassis assembly.

Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) has offered the Ballymena company over £1.4 million towards its research and development activities and to support Wrightbus’ investment in skills and training. This support is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Wrights Group Chairman & CEO, Mark Nodder with Invest NI CEO, Alastair Hamilton / Picture: Invest NI

Mark Nodder, Chairman and CEO of The Wrights Group said: “This investment marks an exciting new stage in the future direction of the business. Our ambition is to grow as a world class designer and manufacturer of public transport vehicles and in the process evolve into a major international supplier to the worldwide bus market.

“Invest NI’s support with our research and development and training activities is enabling us to scale our business at the optimum pace to grow our customer base in international markets.

“UK, Asian and European Union markets present significant commercial opportunities for the introduction of electric vehicles and we want to be able to offer these prospective customers a complete suite of vehicles with this technology.”

Commenting on the investment, CEO of Invest NI, Alastair Hamilton said: “The Wrights Group is an internationally renowned advanced engineering business and a significant employer in County Antrim.

“Zero emission vehicle development is now a major area of interest within the transport industry and Wrightbus is at the forefront of this technology. It’s progressive R&D and skills projects, supported by Invest NI, will support the company’s export ambitions and ensure it is positioned to compete for the expected increase in global demand for electric vehicles.”