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.
30 January 2024
Yellow Weather Warning Issued For Parts Of NI
A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued by the Met Office for parts of Northern Ireland on Wednesday, 31 January. The weather warning comes into effect at 9.00 am and is due to remain in place until 5.00 pm with warnings that it could impact travel, cause power outages and lead to large waves in coastal areas.
Yellow Weather Warning Issued For Parts Of NI
A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued by the Met Office for parts of Northern Ireland on Wednesday, 31 January. The weather warning comes into effect at 9.00 am and is due to remain in place until 5.00 pm with warnings that it could impact travel, cause power outages and lead to large waves in coastal areas.
22 February 2024
Man Pleads Guilty To Number Of Sexual Offences Against Children
A 31-year-old man who travelled to Belfast to meet what he thought was a 13-year-old girl, has pleaded guilty to a number of sexual abuse offences against children. Anil Patel pled guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, arranging the commission of a child sex offence and possessing extreme pornography of children.
Man Pleads Guilty To Number Of Sexual Offences Against Children
A 31-year-old man who travelled to Belfast to meet what he thought was a 13-year-old girl, has pleaded guilty to a number of sexual abuse offences against children. Anil Patel pled guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, arranging the commission of a child sex offence and possessing extreme pornography of children.
11 April 2024
Man Extradited From Poland To Stand Trial In NI
A 41-year-old man has been extradited from Poland to Northern Ireland to stand trial for a number of offences, including the cultivation of cannabis. According to the PSNI, the man is accused of committing a number of offences in the Maghera, Coleraine and Kilrea areas in October 2019.
Man Extradited From Poland To Stand Trial In NI
A 41-year-old man has been extradited from Poland to Northern Ireland to stand trial for a number of offences, including the cultivation of cannabis. According to the PSNI, the man is accused of committing a number of offences in the Maghera, Coleraine and Kilrea areas in October 2019.
22 March 2024
Richard Pengelly Appointment 'Raises A Number Of Questions' – SDLP
The SDLP Opposition at Stormont has said that the appointment of Richard Pengelly as Chief Executive of the Education Authority "raised a number of questions". Mr Pengelly, who has been working as Permanent Secretary at the Department of Justice, was appointed to the new role on Thursday 21 March, by Education Minister Paul Givan.
Richard Pengelly Appointment 'Raises A Number Of Questions' – SDLP
The SDLP Opposition at Stormont has said that the appointment of Richard Pengelly as Chief Executive of the Education Authority "raised a number of questions". Mr Pengelly, who has been working as Permanent Secretary at the Department of Justice, was appointed to the new role on Thursday 21 March, by Education Minister Paul Givan.
26 March 2024
15-Year-Old Arrested Following Stabbing In Lisburn
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the stabbing of a 14-year-old in the Knockmore Road area of Lisburn last night, Monday 25th March. Police have said that at approximately 7.40pm on Monday 25 March, a 14-year-old boy had been approached by a group of teenagers, before being stabbed in the lower back.
15-Year-Old Arrested Following Stabbing In Lisburn
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the stabbing of a 14-year-old in the Knockmore Road area of Lisburn last night, Monday 25th March. Police have said that at approximately 7.40pm on Monday 25 March, a 14-year-old boy had been approached by a group of teenagers, before being stabbed in the lower back.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
