US Consul General visits Wrightbus in Ballymena to see UK’s leading green bus manufacturer first-hand

The United States Consul General, James Applegate, recently paid a visit to Ballymena-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus, following an invitation from Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) representatives Jim Allister MP and Timothy Gaston MLA.

The high-profile visit included a comprehensive factory tour and a meeting with Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales.

The US delegation, which also included an economic adviser, was shown the full scope of the company’s operations—from chassis construction through multiple bus-building lines to the completed electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles that have cemented Wrightbus’ status as a leader in sustainable transport.

Mr Allister described the visit as “very successful”, noting the Consul’s strong interest in seeing Northern Ireland’s largest manufacturing business in action.

“The Consul was very keen to see at first hand our largest manufacturing business in operation,” said Mr Allister. “As a major exporter and having previously exported buses to Las Vegas, Wrightbus was equally enthusiastic about having the opportunity to speak at this level to the American administration.”

The two-hour visit provided a valuable platform for Wrightbus to demonstrate its cutting-edge clean energy technologies, which include both electric and hydrogen-powered buses. With global decarbonisation targets accelerating, Wrightbus’ work is increasingly relevant on the world stage.

Commenting further, Jim Allister emphasised the economic importance of North Antrim:

“I am always eager to take every opportunity to promote North Antrim as the key commercial area it is, and with Wrightbus being the leading bus manufacturer in the U.K. it was a great chance to promote the area with the direct representative of the US government.”

TUV colleague, North Antrim MLA, Timothy Gaston echoed these sentiments, thanking Wrightbus for their hospitality and professionalism:

“The Consul and his economic adviser were clearly impressed with everything they heard and saw. So, I thank Wrightbus for hosting this high profile visit. As public representatives we in TUV are always keen to showcase what North Antrim has to offer and what its skilled workforce is capable of producing.”

The visit is seen as a positive step in strengthening trade relations between Northern Ireland and the United States, with potential for further collaboration in the field of green transport technology.