World-leading Northern Ireland bus manufacturer Wrightbus today announced the appointment of a new managing director to help continue the company’s growth.
Neil Collins, a seasoned managing director and former top level sportsman, will be running the business alongside executive chairman Jo Bamford, who rescued Wrightbus from administration in 2019, and chief executive Buta Atwal.
Wrightbus now boasts more than 600 employees, up from the 50 that were in post when the business was taken over.
Neil lives with his wife and two daughters in County Down, said he was excited to join a company which had huge ambition.
“I’ve known about Wrightbus all my life so it’s a real honour to be coming into the company at an incredibly exciting phase in its development,” he outlined.
“Wrightbus isn’t just leading the UK in zero emissions transport, it’s leading the world and truly has global ambitions. My job is to accelerate sales and growth and ensure we always stay ahead of the competition.”
Neil has made his name in industry and in sport. He joins Wrightbus from Austrian mobile crushing firm Rubble Master, where he was Ireland MD. Before that he worked for Dimplex where he was MD for Northern Ireland before becoming Manufacturing Director for the Dimplex Group’s Heating and Ventilation Division.
He championed various net zero initiatives during his time at both companies and is keen to ensure Wrightbus continues to push the boundaries in the coming years.
“Wrightbus has taken the lead with its hydrogen and EV buses but we have to keep our foot down on the product development,” he said confidently. “We want our buses operating all over the world and we will continue to be relentless in innovating and developing new technologies.”
Neil will be arguably best known for his sporting exploits as a goalkeeper for the Down GAA team, winning two All-Ireland titles in the space of four years.
“I’m an engineer by trade and I cannot wait to get stuck in here in Ballymena. It’s a phenomenal facility and has bounced back impressively. We want the best people to work here and we want the local community to see there’s a bright future on their doorstep.”
“I’ve known about Wrightbus all my life so it’s a real honour to be coming into the company at an incredibly exciting phase in its development.”Neil Collins
MD, Wrightbus
Read more
New Sales Director for Parts & Services joins the Wrightbus team
Read on
Buta Atwal, Wrightbus CEO, announces plans to retire at the end of the year.
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