North Antrim Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) MLA Robin Swann, has praised “the genius of Wrightbus” after the Ballymena-based company unveiled its latest prestigious order for England.
The former Stormont Minister Swann also “warmly welcomed the terrific economic news for the constituency” that the firm had secured an order of more than 100 zero-emission buses to be used in England. The contract follows a £25.3 million investment from the Government.
Operated by First Bus, the buses fully manufactured in Ballymena, will be rolled out across Yorkshire, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Hampshire.
Mr Swann said the success of Wrightbus of Ballymena in landing the order and maintaining jobs at the company is yet another testament to the unique standard of excellence of the product and to its ability to read the marketplace correctly.
The MLA added:
“Wrightbus is one of Northern Ireland’s best companies. The quality of its product, its ability to read the market place and its dedication to what it does have all brought about this latest success.
“The statistics of this latest success are impressive.
"This order also shows that private enterprise is alive and well in Ballymena. Both myself and the people of Ballymena and across North Antrim are justifiably proud of the commercial success of Wrightbus.
“This is very good news for the local economy, not just in Ballymena, but throughout the entire North Antrim constituency. I congratulate Wrightbus on this tremendous achievement. Wrightbus as a company is to be commended on developing the company over the years to becoming once again a firm of international standing.
“Since the firm was established in the mid 1940s, it has continued to bring important employment to Ballymena. On the international front, its success in winning overseas orders, has made Wrightbus an ambassador for quality manufacturing in our Province.
“At a time when Northern Ireland has been experiencing the gloom of a cost of living crisis, this contract accolade for Wrightbus is a very welcome boost for the North Antrim constituency in particular.
“I wish the company every success in the future in winning more national and international orders.”