Wrightbus secures £30m deal
BALLYMENA coachbuilders Wrightbus have secured a multi-million pound order for 179 buses.
The order, thought to be worth an estimated £30m, has been placed by leading UK bus and rail operator FirstGroup, as part of a £76m total order for 464 buses.
Wright Group Managing Director Mark Nodder said he was thrilled with Thursday’s announcement, which was positive news for the local area.
“There are nearly 1,400 families in Ballymena who are dependent really on the success of this company, so it’s really important when they hear of a new order like this,” he said.
“Last year, we built about 1,000 buses - the previous year, a little bit less. Next year, we hope to build about 1,000,” Mr Nodder added.
Mr Nodder said the latest order will constitute “something like 20% of our order book for the remainder of this year” and also said the deal was “a huge endorsement” of their product - the StreetLite range of lightweight buses.
Falkirk-based Alexander Dennis Limited will supply the rest of the order, with all the buses due for delivery in the 2013/14 financial year.
According to FirstGroup, a further eight vehicles will also be ordered - but no decision has been taken yet as to the manufacturer.
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Weather for Ballymena
Tuesday 21 May 2013
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