New Wrightbus CEO Axel J. Maschka charts new course as 2,000 strong workforce gathers in Ballymena

Wrightbus CEO Axel J. Maschka meeting staff

The newly appointed CEO of zero-emission public transport pioneer Wrightbus has brought together all 2,000 members of staff to share his strategic vision for the year ahead.

Axel J. Maschka, who joined the Ballymena-based manufacturer from Hyundai Mobis at the beginning of December, addressed the workforce during a mass meeting on Wednesday (10 December).

He opened by thanking employees for their contribution throughout 2025 but cautioned that “what got us here won’t get us there”.

During the address, Mr Maschka set out his priorities for 2026, stressing the importance of high-quality manufacturing, continued investment in processes and facilities, and the creation of further skilled roles across the business.

“You’ve all helped create more jobs and opportunities as a result of the hard work and dedication you have given,” he told the assembled staff. “I’m proud to be leading you all at such a pivotal time.

“The reason I’ve assembled you all here today is because I wanted to show you how important it is for us to work as a team. To be together. To collaborate. To drive each other forward. Today is a vision of how I want us to operate from now on, with a culture of openness and togetherness.”

Mr Maschka noted that he had spent significant time becoming familiar with the company’s operations since taking up the role, paying tribute to the “passion” and “camaraderie” he had witnessed across the organisation.

“I have already spent a lot of time getting up to speed with how the business performs. I have seen the incredible work you do on a daily basis, and the levels of commitment you all put in.

“I see the passion on display and the camaraderie around the building.

“But there is always room for improvement and we must never lose sight of the most important aspect – quality, quality, quality.”

A respected figure within the global transport sector, Mr Maschka’s career includes senior roles at Hyundai Mobis, Valeo, Volvo, Continental, Leclanché, Bosch and Mercedes-Benz.

Reflecting on the company’s transformation since its rescue by Jo Bamford in 2019, he said:

“This business has undergone an incredible transformation since Jo Bamford bought it out of administration. Now we need to be laser-focused on building a world-beating team of workers, partners and suppliers to help us go even further than we have before.”

The meeting concluded with a festive gesture, as Mr Maschka served spiced tea and cakes to employees while wearing a Ballymena United shirt. He wished the workforce a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Wrightbus, creator of the world’s first hydrogen double-decker bus, manufactures hydrogen, electric and diesel vehicles and operates Europe’s largest repowering facility, NewPower, based in Oxfordshire.

Its refurbishment division also continues to grow. Since Jo Bamford purchased the firm in 2019, Wrightbus has expanded from 43 staff to 2,300 employees worldwide.