Northern Ireland Office Minister Steve Baker has visited groundbreaking zero-emissions transport manufacturer Wrightbus to hear about the company’s plans for the future.
Mr Baker met with Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales at the company’s Ballymena headquarters.
Mr Baker was given a tour of the factory, the only one in Europe producing double- and single-deck battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses. He spoke to the team about business opportunities in the UK and overseas, recruitment and the development of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
Mr Baker said: “I am always inspired by the innovative spirit here in Northern Ireland.
“The UK Government is committed to helping businesses like Wrightbus excel in their UK operations through the UK Net Zero Hydrogen Fund, which aims to support the commercial deployment of new low carbon hydrogen production projects during this decade.
“This is a fantastic company that has taken their zero-emission buses to the global market and has achieved international success.”
Mr Gales said: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister to Ballymena and share with him our vision for the future and what this means for Northern Ireland and the wider United Kingdom.
“Decarbonising public transport is a vital piece of the jigsaw when it comes to the UK’s net zero ambitions. Not only is our work helping the communities served by our buses, but we are also creating quality jobs in Northern Ireland and boosting the UK supply chain.”
Zero-emission buses produced by Wrightbus have now covered more than six million miles and have saved over 10,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions entering the atmosphere compared to journeys made by an equivalent diesel bus.
This year Wrightbus has won a number of significant orders including, most recently, an additional 34 StreetDeck Electroliners for Arriva London, taking the total number of vehicles on order with the bus operator to over 100, and a fleet of 12 Kite Hydroliners for German bus operator West Verkehr.
Read more
Oxford continues charge to net zero with launch of Wrightbus’s fully electric buses
Read on
Wrightbus secures further orders with transport operator Abellio
Read on
Wrightbus’s zero-emission vehicles set to hit the streets of Norwich
Read on
Wrightbus lands significant order for hydrogen-powered buses from Germany
Read on
Preparations gather pace for roll out of Wrightbus’s zero-emission buses in Oxford
Read on
Wrightbus’s first ever double-deck electric ‘low bridge’ buses launched in Leicester
Read on
Wrightbus secures new deal to deliver zero emission buses to London
Read on
University students on the fast track to success thanks to Wrightbus racing car sponsorship
Read on
Arriva London makes further commitment to delivering a sustainable bus network across London.
Read on
Funding Award For Ballymena Hydrogen Production Facility at Wrightbus Site
Read on
Wrightbus secures new deal to deliver zero emission buses to Leicester
Read on
£25 million to boost roll-out of British-made green buses around the country
Read on
Recruitment Evening Encourages More Women Into The Workplace
Read on
Transport Secretary hails hydrogen bus production at Wrightbus
Read on
Plans announced for state-of-the-art green hydrogen project at Wrightbus Ballymena
Read on
Fostering is next stop for Norman after 30 years at Wrightbus
Read on
Metroline places order with Wrightbus for zero-emissions buses
Read on
GLASGOW OPEN TOP BUSES WILL SOON BE ONE OF THE GREENEST TOURS IN THE WORLD
Read on
Translink signs contract with Wrightbus for 100 new Zero Emission buses
Read on
Wrightbus showcasing benefits of Hydrogen at Labour & Conservative Conferences
Read on
Wrightbus to supply hydrogen cell technology to leading Australian bus operator
Read on
First Bus places one of UK’s largest ever EV bus orders with Wrightbus
Read on
Wrightbus staff form Guard of Honour in tribute to founder Sir William Wright
Read on
Wrightbus announced as Ballymena United sponsors for next two football seasons
Read on
New Sales Director for Parts & Services joins the Wrightbus team
Read on
NTA Announces Historic Agreement for 800 Battery-Electric Double-Deck Buses
Read on
Wrightbus signs landmark deal with Australia’s leading bus body manufacturer Volgren
Read on
Wrightbus Electroliner Officially World’s Most Efficient Double Deck Battery-Electric Bus
Read on
The first Wrightbus Electroliners set to enter passenger service in Belfast
Read on
Recruitment drive continues at leading bus manufacturer Wrightbus
Read on
Hydrogen-powered buses on the streets of the West Midlands for the first time.
Read on
Mallon unveils the first in Ireland Battery Electric Double Decker Bus for Public Transport
Read on
Fortescue Future Industries joins hand with JCB and Ryze Hydrogen
Read on
Wrightbus prevents one million kgs of CO2 from entering the atmosphere
Read on
The UK Hydrogen Roadshow shines spotlight on low carbon hydrogen innovation
Read on
Wrightbus creates hundreds of permanent jobs as bus orders flood in
Read on
Minister Poots visits Wrightbus to discuss its plans for green hydrogen economy
Read on
Get in touch
Wrightbus has been at the forefront of transport innovation since 1946, relentlessly pushing the boundaries with its commitment to quality, style and safety.
Talk to Us Download a brochure