Menu
25/09/2019
Wrightbus Set To Enter Administration
Co-Antrim bus manufacturer Wrightbus is expected to enter administration later today, Wednesday 25 September, it has emerged.
A large number of employees face losing their jobs as the last UK-owned bus manufacturer begins the insolvency process.
Around 1,400 staff are believed to be employed by the firm, which is best known for building the 'Boris Bus' Routemaster, when now Prime Minister Boris Johnson was the Mayor of London.
TUV Leader and local MLA Jim Allister said the loss of Wrightbus will "rip the heart out of Ballymena".
In a statement released this morning, Mr Allister said: "The impending administration of Wrightbus is devastating news not just for the employees of Wrightbus but the wider North Antrim community and supply chain. My heart goes out to the hundreds with no wage packet this week or job hereafter.
"For decades Wrightbus has been a constant and provider of thousands of jobs. Amidst the sadness of today I want to salute Sir William Wright for the vision and commitment which he brought in building up this company and providing good income for so many. He did not deserve this tragic outcome.
"However, Wrightbus has a great product. The combined efforts of us all must be to ensure that it does not become a fading memory but obtains a flourishing new beginning."
Directors of the company have been seeking an investor for a number of weeks, however talks with two potential buyers failed to reach a conclusion last week.
Managers are due to brief unions later this morning.
(JG/CM)
A large number of employees face losing their jobs as the last UK-owned bus manufacturer begins the insolvency process.
Around 1,400 staff are believed to be employed by the firm, which is best known for building the 'Boris Bus' Routemaster, when now Prime Minister Boris Johnson was the Mayor of London.
TUV Leader and local MLA Jim Allister said the loss of Wrightbus will "rip the heart out of Ballymena".
In a statement released this morning, Mr Allister said: "The impending administration of Wrightbus is devastating news not just for the employees of Wrightbus but the wider North Antrim community and supply chain. My heart goes out to the hundreds with no wage packet this week or job hereafter.
"For decades Wrightbus has been a constant and provider of thousands of jobs. Amidst the sadness of today I want to salute Sir William Wright for the vision and commitment which he brought in building up this company and providing good income for so many. He did not deserve this tragic outcome.
"However, Wrightbus has a great product. The combined efforts of us all must be to ensure that it does not become a fading memory but obtains a flourishing new beginning."
Directors of the company have been seeking an investor for a number of weeks, however talks with two potential buyers failed to reach a conclusion last week.
Managers are due to brief unions later this morning.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 January 2015
540 Jobs Announced By Randox
540 jobs are to created over four years as a result of a £29m capital investment by diagnostics firm Randox. Randox, headquartered in Crumlin, Co. Antrim, specialises in the development of diagnostic tests and technology, primarily targeted at hospital, clinical, food safety, toxicology and veterinary laboratories.
540 Jobs Announced By Randox
540 jobs are to created over four years as a result of a £29m capital investment by diagnostics firm Randox. Randox, headquartered in Crumlin, Co. Antrim, specialises in the development of diagnostic tests and technology, primarily targeted at hospital, clinical, food safety, toxicology and veterinary laboratories.
31 July 2003
Shorts pay negotiations to begin next week
Negotiations are to begin next week in the current pay dispute between staff and management at Bombardier Shorts in Belfast. It followed talks yesterday between both sides into resolving the current impasse. Shorts management described the talks as "constructive" and confirmed that negotiations would commence next Tuesday.
Shorts pay negotiations to begin next week
Negotiations are to begin next week in the current pay dispute between staff and management at Bombardier Shorts in Belfast. It followed talks yesterday between both sides into resolving the current impasse. Shorts management described the talks as "constructive" and confirmed that negotiations would commence next Tuesday.
10 May 2013
Boris To Open Antrim Wrightbus Plant
Boris Johnson plans to open a new Wrightbus plant in Northern Ireland as part of the production of a new fleet of busses for London. The City's Mayor will open the County Antrim facility, which will produce the chassis for the new double deckers. Wrightbus will supply 600 vehicles as part of the £200m contract.
Boris To Open Antrim Wrightbus Plant
Boris Johnson plans to open a new Wrightbus plant in Northern Ireland as part of the production of a new fleet of busses for London. The City's Mayor will open the County Antrim facility, which will produce the chassis for the new double deckers. Wrightbus will supply 600 vehicles as part of the £200m contract.
17 August 2021
Wrightbus To Create 300 New Permanent Jobs
Ballymena-based Wrightbus is to create 300 new permanent jobs after winning a number of contracts for their pioneering zero emissions buses across the UK and Ireland. Alongside the new jobs, Wrightbus are set to convert 120 current temporary jobs into permanent positions.
Wrightbus To Create 300 New Permanent Jobs
Ballymena-based Wrightbus is to create 300 new permanent jobs after winning a number of contracts for their pioneering zero emissions buses across the UK and Ireland. Alongside the new jobs, Wrightbus are set to convert 120 current temporary jobs into permanent positions.
06 June 2018
Wrightbus To Axe 95 Jobs
Serious concerns have been raised after it was announced that Wrightbus in Antrim is to axe a further 95 jobs. The firm said it was a result of continued low levels of demand for new buses in the UK market. SDLP MLA Pat Catney said it will be a "devastating blow" to workers and their families.
Wrightbus To Axe 95 Jobs
Serious concerns have been raised after it was announced that Wrightbus in Antrim is to axe a further 95 jobs. The firm said it was a result of continued low levels of demand for new buses in the UK market. SDLP MLA Pat Catney said it will be a "devastating blow" to workers and their families.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
