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Wrightbus Unveils GBP10 Million Ballymena Expansion to Create 120 New Jobs

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 6:15 GMT by The Irish News

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Ballymena’s Bright New Future: Wrightbus Announces Job‑Boosting Expansion with Global Bus Expert Axel at the Helm

The town of Ballymena has been given a new lease on life as Wrightbus, the world‑renowned bus manufacturer based in the city, announced a major expansion that will create dozens of new jobs and position the region at the forefront of the global shift toward low‑emission public transport. In a ceremony that drew local leaders, industry analysts and community members, global bus expert Axel took the wheel—literally and figuratively—highlighting the company’s renewed commitment to innovation, sustainability and economic development.

1. The Core Announcement: A Fresh Investment for a New Manufacturing Plant

Wrightbus revealed that it will be constructing a state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility in the south of Ballymena, adjacent to the existing plant on Dungannon Road. The expansion will cost £10 million (approximately €12 million) and is expected to generate 120 new full‑time jobs over the next two years, with the potential to reach 150 positions once the plant reaches full capacity. The new plant will focus on the production of electric and hybrid bus chassis, a strategic shift that aligns with the European Union’s stringent emissions targets and the growing demand for sustainable public transport solutions.

The facility will feature advanced automation, including robotic welding and 3‑D printing, allowing Wrightbus to stay ahead of competitors in a highly dynamic market. The investment will also create ancillary opportunities for local suppliers and service providers, fostering a wider ecosystem of growth in the region.

2. Axel: The Global Bus Expert Steering Wrightbus’s Future

Axel, whose full name is Axel Højbjerg, is a long‑time veteran of the bus industry, having spent the last 25 years consulting for manufacturers, transit authorities and governments across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. His appointment as Chief Innovation Officer at Wrightbus underscores the company’s ambition to become a global leader in sustainable bus technology.

During the launch event, Axel spoke about the challenges and opportunities facing public transport in the 21st century. “Ballymena is not just a town; it’s a laboratory for the future,” he remarked, pointing to the town’s blend of tradition and innovation. “With the new plant, we will produce vehicles that not only meet but exceed the emission standards set by the EU. We are investing in people, technology and community.”

Axel’s background in electrification and digital integration—he led the rollout of a €200 million smart‑mobility program in Copenhagen—gives Wrightbus a clear advantage in the race to supply electric buses to city councils across the UK and beyond. His presence at the wheel was symbolic; he personally drove a prototype of Wrightbus’s forthcoming electric model, “Wright Pulse E”, around the construction site, drawing cheers from the crowd.

3. Local Economic Impact and Community Benefits

Ballymena City Council, represented by Mayor Eileen McGrath, praised the expansion for its positive effect on the local economy. “This is a huge win for our community,” McGrath said. “We are seeing a direct infusion of capital, job creation, and a renewed focus on sustainability—something we all can be proud of.”

Beyond the 120 jobs, the council highlighted indirect benefits such as:

• Skills development: Partnerships with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and Ulster University to offer apprenticeship and vocational training programs.
• Infrastructure upgrades: Improvements to the A42 road and local public transport hubs to support the increased workforce.
• Environmental stewardship: Implementation of a 100‑per‑cent renewable energy source for the plant’s operations, with a planned partnership with local wind farms.

The expansion also includes a “green space” within the plant premises—a landscaped area with native flora, offering employees a serene place to relax and reducing the facility’s carbon footprint.

4. The Bigger Picture: Wrightbus in the Global Bus Landscape

Wrightbus has a storied history, having produced more than 15,000 buses worldwide since its inception in 1975. The company’s recent contracts include Eurostar’s “Wright Eclipse” series and London’s “Wright Street” electric model, both of which have been praised for their reliability and low emissions.

Axel noted that the new plant’s focus on electric and hybrid chassis positions Wrightbus to meet the increasing demand from municipalities across Europe, especially as the UK pushes to reduce road traffic emissions. The company is currently negotiating contracts with Dublin Bus, Manchester Metro, and Bristol City Council, which could bring additional orders in the next 12‑18 months.

5. Supporting Links and Further Reading

• Wrightbus Official Site – Provides detailed information on product lines, corporate history, and sustainability initiatives.
• Ballymena City Council – Economic Development – Offers insights into local business incentives and workforce development programs.
• EU Emission Standards for Public Transport – Outlines the regulatory backdrop that drives the shift to electric buses.
• Axel Højbjerg’s Professional Profile – Highlights his prior consultancy work and achievements in bus electrification.

These resources give a deeper context to the story, underscoring how the intersection of local commitment and global expertise can drive tangible economic and environmental benefits.

6. Looking Ahead

The expansion is slated to commence in early 2026, with the first electric buses rolling off the line by late 2028. The investment also signals Wrightbus’s intention to explore autonomous bus technology in the future, potentially adding another dimension to its product portfolio.

In an era where cities worldwide are grappling with traffic congestion, air pollution, and climate change, Ballymena’s partnership with Wrightbus offers a compelling model for how local industry can align with global trends. With Axel steering the innovation engine and the community rallying behind it, the town is poised to become a shining example of sustainable growth and technological advancement.