Wrightbus and Ryze Hydrogen owner Jo Bamford has paid tribute to the legacy of Sir William Wright, who died on 24 July, aged 94.
Sir William founded the bus company with his father Robert Wright in Ballymena after the Second World War and pioneered aluminium bus framing in the UK in 1976. He would also pioneer low-floor buses in 1992 as well as the first British designed and built battery-electric bus in 1999. He also led the design of the world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell double-decker bus in 2015.
Mr Bamford has said the platform Sir William created has led to a business which is now leading the world in zero-emission technology.
“Sir William and his father were pioneers, of that there is no doubt,” he adds. “The Wrightbus name is synonymous with everything they stood for and those values – problem-solving, hard work and never giving up – course through the business I run today.
“Sir William was fiercely loyal to this community and the fact his name is still held in such regard is testament to his relentless dedication. Everyone here at Wrightbus should never forget how this business started and the sacrifices which were made to ensure it goes from strength to strength in the future.“Sir William is an indelible part of this fantastic story.”
