
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

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


Minister Poots visits Wrightbus to discuss its plans for green hydrogen economy
Read on




