Mulholland welcomes Wrightbus electric bus order for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network
- Love Ballymena
- 4 minutes ago
- 2 min read
North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham during his recent visit to Northern Ireland.
North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland has welcomed confirmation that 55 new electric buses will be built in Ballymena for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, describing the investment as a major vote of confidence in Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector and workforce.
The buses will be produced by Ballymena manufacturer Wrightbus, with the order forming part of a £66 million investment in the company’s electric models. The latest purchase brings the total number of Wrightbus vehicles ordered by Greater Manchester to 293 buses.
Vote of confidence in Ballymena workforce
Ms Mulholland spoke with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham during his visit to Northern Ireland on Saturday (14 March), when he attended the Alliance Party conference.
Welcoming the news, she said the deal highlights the strength of advanced manufacturing in the region.
“This order is fantastic news for Wrightbus and for workers in Ballymena, demonstrating the strength of our advanced manufacturing sector and the vital role it plays in delivering the transition to cleaner transport across these islands.
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to speak with Andy Burnham at the Alliance Party conference today and to hear first-hand about Greater Manchester’s ambitions for the Bee Network. His visit to Ballymena and continued investment in Wrightbus is a strong endorsement of the innovation, quality and expertise that exists here in North Antrim.”
Supporting jobs and cleaner transport
Mulholland said orders of this scale help support local employment while showcasing the role Northern Ireland companies can play in tackling climate challenges.
“Orders like this support good local jobs, strengthen our economy and highlight how Northern Ireland businesses are contributing to climate solutions far beyond our region.
“As the Bee Network continues its transition towards a fully electric bus fleet by 2030, it is encouraging to see Ballymena playing such a central role in delivering the next generation of zero-emission public transport.”
Greater Manchester’s Bee Network aims to create a fully electric bus fleet by the end of the decade, with Wrightbus playing an increasingly important role in supplying zero-emission vehicles for the network.
At a glance
North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland has welcomed a new order for Wrightbus electric buses.
Greater Manchester will purchase 55 additional electric buses built in Ballymena.
The order is part of a £66 million investment in Wrightbus electric vehicles.
The latest purchase brings the total Wrightbus buses ordered for the Bee Network to 293.
Mulholland spoke with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham during his visit to Northern Ireland.
Burnham attended the Alliance Party conference on Saturday (14 March).
The Bee Network aims to operate a fully electric bus fleet by 2030.