![Wrightbus creates hundreds of permanent jobs as bus orders flood in](/sites/default/files/2021-08/Inside%20Image_1440x622_DRONES%20%2829%20of%2034%29.jpg)
Bus manufacturer Wrightbus, which is leading the world in zero emission passenger transport, is to create up to 300 permanent jobs after winning a string of orders from the UK and Ireland.
It will also convert 120 existing temporary jobs into permanent positions as it looks to ramp up production at its Ballymena headquarters in what will be a welcome boom to the Northern Ireland economy.
The firm, which was bought out of administration by green entrepreneur Jo Bamford in October 2019, had just 56 members of staff when he took over.
Now thanks to an incredible period of growth driven by the development of word-leading technology - including the creation of the world’s first hydrogen double decker bus, and a market-leading electric double decker bus - the firm is on track to have 930 permanent employees once the new positions have been filled.
Wrightbus hopes the job roles, which will include skilled, semi-skilled, general operators and support staff, will all be filled in 2022.
“It’s a fantastic success story, and not one many people would have imagined just a few short years ago,” said Wrightbus MD Neil Collins.
“In the last two years, the company has not only been bought back from the brink, but has been reinvigorated and has seen 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. And let’s not forget that this has all been achieved despite the terrible effects of the global pandemic over the past 18 months.”
Mr Collins said employees joining the firm would get the chance to be involved with world-leading technology and systems that were at the forefront of revolutionising the transport industry.
“Our zero emission buses are truly world-leading and we’re incredibly proud of the part they’re playing in the UK’s race to net zero. The fact that our employees get to play their part in this effort makes them incredibly proud, not to mention the fact that they are developing and working with the technology of the future.
“We’re building an incredible team in Ballymena and we want the best people to come and work for us. We’re aiming to increase bus production again next year, which will in turn lead to the creation of even more permanent jobs. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be involved with Wrightbus.
“We’ve got a strong future ahead of us and we’re proud to be playing an important part in the wider post-Covid recovery of the Northern Irish economy,” he added.
Jo Bamford, who has been the driving force behind the change in fortunes at Wrightbus since buying the business, said: “The last two years have not been easy. We’ve not only had to pull the company back from administration, but we’ve also had to get through unprecedented times due to the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic.
“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.”
Jobs on offer will include coachbuilders, welders, vehicle installation electricians, driveline operatives, factory operatives.
All jobs will be advertised on the Wrightbus website. For more information and to apply, visit the Careers page at www.wrightbus.com.
“It’s a fantastic success story, and not one many people would have imagined just a few short years ago.”Neil Collins
MD, Wrightbus
Read more
![Photo of Jon Eardley smiling at camera. he is wearing a white shirt and navy blazer. the background is grey. Wrightbus and AllServiceOne logos are on right hand side](/sites/default/files/2024-07/je%20web%202.jpg)
![Line of first bus buses in the new power factory](/sites/default/files/2024-07/firstbus%20newpower%20order2.jpg)
NewPower secures first order from First Bus just weeks after launch
Read on![Jean-Marc Gales, Jo Bamford and family at the opening of NewPower in Bicester](/sites/default/files/2024-06/web2b.jpg)
![female engineer](/sites/default/files/2024-06/1.5%20billion%20web2.jpg)
Wrightbus has contributed more than £1.5 billion to the UK economy
Read on![a line up of double deck battery electric buses outside the Wrightbus factory](/sites/default/files/2024-05/web2.jpg)
100 zero emission electric buses for Translink propels green growth for Northern Ireland
Read on![aerial photograph of Wrightbus factory in Ballymena](/sites/default/files/2024-05/NI%20Growth%20web%202.jpg)
Wrightbus unveils plan for European growth after incredible start to 2024
Read on![Group of men standing in front of a white single deck hydrogen fuel cell bus. the men are smiling at the camera](/sites/default/files/2024-05/cottbus%20web2.jpg)
Vierter Deal in Deutschland: Cottbusverkehr ordert 46 Wasserstoffbusse von Wrightbus
Read on![Group of men standing in front of a white single deck, left hand drive hydrogen fuel cell bus](/sites/default/files/2024-04/cottbus%20web2.jpg)
![3 people talking in front of a row of parked yellow double deck buses](/sites/default/files/2024-04/web%20limerick%202.jpg)
Wrightbus helps Irish city to become one of the first to deploy fully electric bus service
Read on![blue single deck electric bus](/sites/default/files/2024-04/first%20solent%20web2.jpg)
![Hydrogen double deck bus image overlaid with article from The Times](/sites/default/files/2024-04/image2_0.jpg)
![Group of people wearing high vis safety wear standing in front of a bus](/sites/default/files/2024-03/norwich%20launch%20web%202.jpg)
First Bus launches all-electric fleet depot after investing in Wrightbus’s ZE buses
Read on![blue double deck bus driving along a country road, photograph has been taken by a drone](/sites/default/files/2024-03/electro%20web2.jpg)
![Eine Gruppe Männer steht vor einer Fabrik](/sites/default/files/2024-02/sb%20web%202_1.jpg)
Wrightbus sichert sich neuen Auftrag für 28 Wasserstoffbusse
Read on![group of men standing in front of a factory entrance. a black and white sign in background reads 'Wrightbus'](/sites/default/files/2024-02/sb%20web%202.jpg)
![red double deck electric bus](/sites/default/files/2024-02/stagecoach%20web%2012.jpg)
Wrightbus secures new deal to deliver zero-emission buses to London
Read on![Group of men standing in a bus factory smiling at the camera](/sites/default/files/2024-02/WEB2.jpg)
Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary hails green innovation at Wrightbus
Read on![red double deck electric bus](/sites/default/files/2024-02/arriva%20web2.jpg)
![group of men standing in front of a double deck electric bus](/sites/default/files/2024-01/2.jpg)
![blue double deck bus driving along a road](/sites/default/files/2024-01/web%20electroliner%202.jpg)
![two grey battery electric double deck buses](/sites/default/files/2023-11/Untitled-2%20%5BRecovered%5D-05.jpg)
Oxford continues charge to net zero with launch of Wrightbus’s fully electric buses
Read on![red single deck bus](/sites/default/files/2023-11/Untitled-2-05.jpg)
Wrightbus secures further orders with transport operator Abellio
Read on![two men standing in front of a green double decker electric bus](/sites/default/files/2023-11/webc.jpg)
Northern Ireland Minister hails green innovation at Wrightbus
Read on![red double decker bus for Arriva London](/sites/default/files/2023-11/arriva%20web2.jpg)
![purple and grey double decker bus parked in front of a tower with stormy sky in the background](/sites/default/files/2023-10/web2b.jpg)
Wrightbus’s zero-emission vehicles set to hit the streets of Norwich
Read on![green and blue double decker buses driving along a country road](/sites/default/files/2023-10/6%20million%20ze%20miles2.jpg)
![group of men standing at entrance to Wrightbus factory beside a sign that reads welcome to wrightbus in the German language](/sites/default/files/2023-10/wv2.jpg)
Wrightbus lands significant order for hydrogen-powered buses from Germany
Read on![Hydroliner show bus parked in front of Pierhead Building](/sites/default/files/2023-10/web2B-01-01-01-01-01.jpg)
![blue double deck bus, the bus is a battery electric bus called Electroliner](/sites/default/files/2023-10/2new.jpg)
Preparations gather pace for roll out of Wrightbus’s zero-emission buses in Oxford
Read on![Green hydrogen double deck bus](/sites/default/files/2023-09/sizewellc%202.jpg)
![men standing in front of a green double deck bus](/sites/default/files/2023-09/arriva%20low%20bridge2.jpg)
Wrightbus’s first ever double-deck electric ‘low bridge’ buses launched in Leicester
Read on![Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Jean-Marc Gales shaking hands in front of a green and yellow double deck bus](/sites/default/files/2023-09/LV%20VISIT%20WEB%202.jpg)
![grey and purple double deck buses parked in front of a castle](/sites/default/files/2023-09/york%20web2.jpg)
![Photo of Mick Campbell at Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2023-09/mick2.jpg)
![interior of bus factory production line](/sites/default/files/2023-09/recruitment2.jpg)
![Alex Gadd AllServiceOne](/sites/default/files/2023-09/alex%202.jpg)
![school assembly hall with pupils and speaker](/sites/default/files/2023-07/schools2.jpg)
![group of people standing in front of hydrogen single deck bus](/sites/default/files/2023-06/go%20ahead%20web2.jpg)
![man standing in front of wrightbus sign](/sites/default/files/2023-06/phil%20owen%202_0.jpg)
![Pat McFadden with Wrightbus senior management](/sites/default/files/2023-06/pat2.jpg)
![Lord Johnson and Wrightbus senior management](/sites/default/files/2023-06/2c.jpg)
![translink EV Bus launch at Guildhall](/sites/default/files/2023-05/web2.jpg)
![wrightbus double deck and single deck battery electric buses](/sites/default/files/2023-05/uk%20most%20efficient%202.jpg)
![Peter Kyle MP visiting Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2023-05/peter%20kyle2.jpg)
![wrightbus zero emission buses](/sites/default/files/2023-05/4million%20miles%202.jpg)
![green hydroliner bus from wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2023-05/apc%20web%202.jpg)
![Jean-Marc Gales Wrightbus CEO](/sites/default/files/2023-04/JMG%20THUMBNAIL.jpg)
![stagecoach wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2023-04/stagecoach%20web%202.jpg)
Wrightbus secures new deal to deliver zero emission buses to London
Read on![Students and Wrightbus team with electric race car at Queens University](/sites/default/files/2023-04/qub%20web2_0.jpg)
University students on the fast track to success thanks to Wrightbus racing car sponsorship
Read on![arriva wrightbus double deck electric bus](/sites/default/files/2023-03/arriva%20web2.jpg)
Arriva London makes further commitment to delivering a sustainable bus network across London.
Read on![wrightbus factory site ballymena](/sites/default/files/2023-03/hygen%202b.jpg)
Funding Award For Ballymena Hydrogen Production Facility at Wrightbus Site
Read on![first group electric single deck bus](/sites/default/files/2023-03/first%20electric%202.jpg)
Wrightbus secures new deal to deliver zero emission buses to Leicester
Read on![first group wrightbus buses in countryside](/sites/default/files/2023-03/3.jpg)
£25 million to boost roll-out of British-made green buses around the country
Read on![Nicola McCloskey HR director at Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2023-02/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES-02.jpg)
Recruitment Evening Encourages More Women Into The Workplace
Read on![Secretary of State for Transport with Ian Gillot and Robert Best from Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2023-02/sos%20transport2.jpg)
Transport Secretary hails hydrogen bus production at Wrightbus
Read on![aerial view of wrightbus site](/sites/default/files/2023-02/hygen%202b.jpg)
Plans announced for state-of-the-art green hydrogen project at Wrightbus Ballymena
Read on![wrightbus zero emission double decker buses](/sites/default/files/2023-02/3mill%202.jpg)
![wrightbus and go ahead Oxford](/sites/default/files/2023-01/oxford%202.jpg)
![Steve Jackson outside Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2023-01/steve%202.jpg)
![Photo of Norman Stephens outside Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2023-01/NORMAN2.jpg)
Fostering is next stop for Norman after 30 years at Wrightbus
Read on![Rock Road Funding for Wrightbus Electroliners](/sites/default/files/2023-01/abellio%20rock%202.jpg)
![Battery Boxes given fresh lease of life](/sites/default/files/2022-12/boxes2.jpg)
![Metroline places order with Wrightbus for zero-emissions buses](/sites/default/files/2022-11/electroliner%20metroline2.jpg)
Metroline places order with Wrightbus for zero-emissions buses
Read on![Wrightbus Hydrogen Fleet cover 1.5 Million Miles](/sites/default/files/2022-11/1.5m%202_0.jpg)
![1,000th employee joins Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-11/1000employeeweb2jpg.jpg)
![AllServiceOne Launch](/sites/default/files/2022-11/as1%20web2.jpg)
![GLASGOW OPEN TOP BUSES WILL SOON BE ONE OF THE GREENEST TOURS IN THE WORLD](/sites/default/files/2022-11/glasgow2.jpg)
GLASGOW OPEN TOP BUSES WILL SOON BE ONE OF THE GREENEST TOURS IN THE WORLD
Read on![Zero-emission fleet hits the 2 million mile mark](/sites/default/files/2022-10/2%20million%202.jpg)
![Translink signs contract with Wrightbus for 100 new Zero Emission buses](/sites/default/files/2022-10/2.jpg)
Translink signs contract with Wrightbus for 100 new Zero Emission buses
Read on![Secretary of State for Northern Ireland visits Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-10/2b_0.jpg)
![Wrightbus will be “among the very best” showcasing benefits of hydrogen at both Labour and Conservative conferences](/sites/default/files/2022-09/web%20image%20labour%20conf3.jpg)
Wrightbus showcasing benefits of Hydrogen at Labour & Conservative Conferences
Read on![Wrightbus named winners at Responsible Business Awards](/sites/default/files/2022-09/respons%20award2.jpg)
![Wrightbus to supply hydrogen cell technology to leading Australian bus operator](/sites/default/files/2022-09/b.jpg)
Wrightbus to supply hydrogen cell technology to leading Australian bus operator
Read on![The new Chief Executive of Wrightbus takes up post](/sites/default/files/2022-09/joerg%203_0.jpg)
![First Bus places one of UK’s largest ever EV bus orders with Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-08/3_0.jpg)
First Bus places one of UK’s largest ever EV bus orders with Wrightbus
Read on![Wrightbus appoints new Head of Business Development for Parts and Services](/sites/default/files/2022-08/alex%203.jpg)
![Family Fun Day says 'thank you' to Wrightbus Employees](/sites/default/files/2022-08/2_0.jpg)
![Wrightbus staff form Guard of Honour in tribute to founder Sir William Wright](/sites/default/files/2022-07/2_1.jpg)
Wrightbus staff form Guard of Honour in tribute to founder Sir William Wright
Read on![Jo Bamford praises legacy of Sir William Wright](/sites/default/files/2022-07/2_0.jpg)
![Wrightbus announced as Ballymena United sponsors for next two football seasons](/sites/default/files/2022-07/2_3.jpg)
Wrightbus announced as Ballymena United sponsors for next two football seasons
Read on![New Sales Director joins the Wrightbus team](/sites/default/files/2022-07/2.jpg)
New Sales Director for Parts & Services joins the Wrightbus team
Read on![Sales team expansion as Wrightbus continues to grow](/sites/default/files/2022-06/sales2.jpg)
![Continued growth sees Wrightbus open onsite recruitment office](/sites/default/files/2022-06/HR2_2.jpg)
![Minister for Investment visits world-leading Wrightbus hot on the heels of historic NTA deal](/sites/default/files/2022-06/2_2.jpg)
![NTA Announces Historic Agreement for 800 Battery-Electric Double-Deck Buses](/sites/default/files/2022-06/2_1.jpg)
NTA Announces Historic Agreement for 800 Battery-Electric Double-Deck Buses
Read on![Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd visits Wrightbus to hear about technologies used in delivering zero-emission buses](/sites/default/files/2022-06/2_0.jpg)
![Wrightbus lands German deal for up to 60 hydrogen buses](/sites/default/files/2022-05/web2.jpg)
![Pioneering Wrightbus technology WB UPTIME 365 now brings even more benefits](/sites/default/files/2022-05/Untitled-4-Recovered%20copy.jpg)
![Wrightbus signs landmark deal with Australia’s leading bus body manufacturer Volgren](/sites/default/files/2022-05/VOLGREN2.jpg)
Wrightbus signs landmark deal with Australia’s leading bus body manufacturer Volgren
Read on![Tests show Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner is officially world’s most efficient double deck battery-electric bus](/sites/default/files/2022-05/2_2.jpg)
Wrightbus Electroliner Officially World’s Most Efficient Double Deck Battery-Electric Bus
Read on![Wrightbus Zero-emission hydrogen buses travel 1 million miles](/sites/default/files/2022-05/2_1.jpg)
![Wrightbus eyes European expansion with new Chief Commercial Officer appointment](/sites/default/files/2022-04/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES-02.jpg)
![World-leading Wrightbus Electroliner on UK Tour](/sites/default/files/2022-04/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES%20%5BRecovered%5D-02.jpg)
![Minister of State for Northern Ireland Visits Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-03/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES%20%5BRecovered%5D-02_0.jpg)
![First new electric Wrightbus double deckers set to enter passenger service](/sites/default/files/2022-03/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES%20%5BRecovered%5D-02.jpg)
The first Wrightbus Electroliners set to enter passenger service in Belfast
Read on![Buta Atwal Signs Diversity Pledge](/sites/default/files/2022-03/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES%20%5BRecovered%5D-02.png)
![Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon Visits Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-03/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES-02.jpg)
![Mayor of London Visits Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-03/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES%20BANNER-02.jpg)
![Wrightbus join the Jobstart Scheme Nicola McCloskey HR Director](/sites/default/files/2022-02/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES-02_1.jpg)
![Wrightbus recruitment drive for apprentices](/sites/default/files/2022-02/apprentcie%20press%20release%20karsten-02.jpg)
![Economy Minister Gordon Lyons visits Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-02/minister%20visit%204%20feb-02.jpg)
![Recruitment drive huge success for leading bus manufacturer Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-01/web%20recruitment%202-02.jpg)
![Recruitment drive continues at leading bus manufacturer Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2022-01/WEB%20PRESS%20NEWS%20IMAGES-02.jpg)
Recruitment drive continues at leading bus manufacturer Wrightbus
Read on![Hydrogen-powered buses on the streets of the West Midlands for the first time.](/sites/default/files/2022-01/West%20midlands%20thumbnail%20image%20ARTICLE-01-02-03.jpg)
Hydrogen-powered buses on the streets of the West Midlands for the first time.
Read on![First Minister Visits Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2021-12/first%20minister%20visit%20web%20pr%20thumb-02_0.jpg)
![Wrightbus Hydrogen Bus Celebrates Fifth Anniversary](/sites/default/files/2021-12/Press%20Release_Thumbnail_862%20X%20644.jpg)
![Go-Ahead buys its first zero emission hydrogen buses](/sites/default/files/2021-11/Press%20Release%203_Thumbnail_862%20X%20644.jpg)
![Mallon unveils the first in Ireland Battery Electric Double Decker Bus for Public Transport](/sites/default/files/2021-11/Press%20Release%203_Thumbnail_862%20X%20644-2_0.jpg)
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](/sites/default/files/2021-11/Press%20Release_Thumbnail_862%20X%20644.jpg)
Fortescue Future Industries joins hand with JCB and Ryze Hydrogen
Read on![Wrightbus prevents one million kgs of CO2 from entering the atmosphere](/sites/default/files/2021-10/Thumbnails%20-%20861x644_4.jpg)
Wrightbus prevents one million kgs of CO2 from entering the atmosphere
Read on![The UK Hydrogen Roadshow shines spotlight on low carbon hydrogen innovation across the UK](/sites/default/files/2021-10/Press%20Release_Press%20Release%20Thumbnail_862%20X%20644.jpg)
The UK Hydrogen Roadshow shines spotlight on low carbon hydrogen innovation
Read on![Wrightbus honoured to showcase to the world](/sites/default/files/2021-10/thumbnail1.jpg)
![Wrightbus to showcase two new zero-emission buses](/sites/default/files/2021-09/Press%20Release_Press%20Release%20Thumbnail_862%20X%20644.jpg)
![Minister Poots visits Wrightbus to discuss its plans for green hydrogen economy](/sites/default/files/2021-08/Thumbnails%20-%20862x644_459A7316.jpg)
Minister Poots visits Wrightbus to discuss its plans for green hydrogen economy
Read on![Wrightbus owner Jo Bamford launched FUZE today](/sites/default/files/2021-11/Thumbnails%20-%20862x644_Ben%20Werth_1.jpg)
![New MD with global ambition joins Wrightbus](/sites/default/files/2021-09/Thumbnails%20-%20862x644_Neil%20Collins%201_1.jpg)
![Driving towards a sustainable future at full pace](/sites/default/files/2021-07/861x644_second%20shoot%20sunrise%20%28114%20of%20146%29.jpg)
![Our advanced AI-driven telematics system – WB UPTIME 365](/sites/default/files/2021-07/861x644_telematics.jpg)
![World-class features meet low-emission technology](/sites/default/files/2021-07/861x644_second%20shoot%20sunrise%20%2816%20of%20146%29.jpg)
![Mayor launches England’s](/sites/default/files/2021-07/861x644_Wrightbus%20CEO%2C%20Buta%20Atwal%2C%20with%20Sadiq%20Khan.jpg)