Wrightbus has announced 300 permanent jobs after winning new orders from the UK and Ireland.
It will also convert 120 temporary jobs into permanent positions at its Ballymena-headquarters.
The boost means Wrightbus will have 930 permanent employees when the positions are filled.
Roles will include coachbuilders, electricians, welders, driveline and factory operatives. Wrightbus hopes to fill all positions by 2022.
Wrightbus Managing Director Neil Collins (pictured) says the announcement comes after a period of phenomenal growth. “We’ve launched the world’s first hydrogen double-decker, we’ve launched the fastest charging double-deck electric bus on the market and we’re now the UK’s only bus builder with both a hydrogen and electric product on the market.
“Our order book is looking very healthy, with our zero-emission buses in high demand, and we have multiple conversations ongoing with a number of bus operators from across the UK and Ireland.”
Adds Wrightbus Chairman Jo Bamford: “Introducing two new world-leading products in the Hydroliner and the Electroliner and being able to bring the workforce up from just 56 people to more than 900 in those two short years is incredibly satisfying and shows the marked determination that we all have to make sure this business is a world-leading success.
“We’re continuing to invest not only in employees, but in the technological advances that will keep our buses at the very pinnacle of the industry.
“I’m proud to say Wrightbus is firmly back in business, creating jobs not just in Northern Ireland but indirectly across the UK – and this is only the start of the recovery.”
