Wrightbus has reported a 77% increase in revenue, with turnover rising from 257.8 million GBP in 2023 to 455.1 million GBP in the most recent financial year.
The Ballymena-based manufacturer, which was restructured after entering administration in 2019, has grown from 49 employees at the point of rescue to more than 2,300 staff today. The company estimates a further 7,500 roles are supported in its supply chain, largely within the UK.
While bus production remains central to its activities, Wrightbus has also expanded into related areas including after-sales services, vehicle repowering, depot charging solutions and alternative energy supply.
During the year, the company invested 25 million GBP in research and development, which contributed to the introduction of new products such as a coach, a 6×2 double-deck bus, and a repowered truck. Orders have been secured in the UK, Germany and parts of Asia.
Wrightbus has also launched a repowering division, NewPower, based in Bicester, and invested further in its factory in Malaysia to serve customers in south-east Asia. The firm reported record intake figures for apprenticeships, with 103 trainees learning skills ranging from electronics to fabrication.
Wrightbus Chief Executive Jean-Marc Gales said:In a tough market we have thrived, creating thousands of jobs, bringing new levels of product quality to the bus market and delighting passengers. We are proud to be market leaders, driving quality and innovation in the bus sector and expanding into new areas.
Continued investment in our people remains a priority and is key to retaining our competitive advantage.
The company’s product portfolio now includes diesel, hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric buses. A left-hand drive hydrogen fuel cell double-deck bus was introduced in 2024 to meet German regulatory requirements. Wrightbus said it has also increased training in areas such as electrical and hydrogen gas engineering to support this expanded product range.
