Up to 500 manufacturing jobs are set to be supported at Wrightbus as bus operator Go Ahead today announces a major £500m investment to decarbonise its fleet.
The investment is set to fund the manufacturing of up to 1,200 new zero emission buses over the next three years. Built for operator Go Ahead, this investment will accelerate the transition to greener buses across the country including in Plymouth, Gloucestershire, East Yorkshire, London and the Isle of Wight.
Part of Go Ahead’s investment will be used to create a new dedicated manufacturing line and partnership with Northern Ireland-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus.
As well as directly securing 500 positions at Wrightbus, the investment will also support an additional 2,000 jobs across the wider UK supply chain by 2026.
Related reading: Wrightbus continues to lead UK’s bus sector
UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel
The Transport Secretary will also announce plans to create a new UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel. This panel will bring together industry experts and local leaders to explore ways to ensure the UK remains a leader in bus manufacturing, help local authorities deliver on their transport ambitions, and begin to seize opportunities to embrace zero emission transport technologies.
The Transport Secretary is expected to meet with key industry leaders today, including Wrightbus owner Jo Bamford and CEO Jean-Marc Gales, to reaffirm the government’s commitment to decarbonising local transport and fostering an environment for investment in the UK manufacturing industry, bringing sustained economic growth and supporting jobs.
Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, said: “The number one mission of this government is growing the economy. The half a billion pounds Go Ahead is announcing today shows the confidence industry has in investing in the UK.
“This announcement will see communities across the country benefit from brand new, state-of-the-art green buses – which will deliver cleaner air and better journeys.
“We’re creating the right conditions for businesses to flourish, so we can support jobs and accelerate towards decarbonising the transport sector.
“Under this government, Britain is open for business”.
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