13/08/2012

Foster Welcomes New £41m Contract For Wrightbus

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has congratulated Ballymena-based bus builders Wrightbus on securing a new £41million contract to supply 550 double deck bus kits to SBS Transit for assembly in Singapore.

Wrightbus has been chosen by SBS Transit to provide vehicles tailored to Singapore’s demanding operations.

Arlene Foster said: "This is a substantial contract for one of Northern Ireland’s most innovative manufacturing firms and secures Wrightbus as the primary suppliers of double-deck buses for SBS Transit into 2015.

"The company undertook a research and development project with the support of Invest Northern Ireland, to develop a new knocked down (CKD) kit. This innovative approach has opened up new export markets for the business. The firm is clearly reaping the benefits of its continued investment in new product development and cutting edge design.

"The Wright Group's continuing success in winning contracts reflects the company’s focus on innovation and export marketing which has resulted in it becoming a significant player across a range of international markets."

The deal draws upon Wrightbus' design and logistics capabilities to produce and package completely knocked down (CKD) kits in Ballymena, which are then shipped to Singapore, where the local assembly workers are trained and supported by Wrightbus personnel from Ballymena.

Invest NI's support was part funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.

(CD/GK)

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