Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle tries out VR technology during a visit to WrightbusMillions of pounds in investment by Northern Ireland-based
Wrightbus to develop the next generation of green buses was welcomed last week by the UK Government’s Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, highlighting clean energy as a key driver of economic growth under the Labour Government’s ‘Plan for Change’.
As the UK’s fastest-growing zero-emission bus manufacturer and a major employer in Ballymena and the wider UK, Wrightbus plans to accelerate the next generation of electric and hydrogen-powered buses, potentially creating dozens of new jobs and slashing emissions. Studies show that for every £1 a business invests in R&D, it can generate a return of 20% for the firm — with similar, additional gains spilling over into the wider British economy — evidence of a dynamic economy rooted in enterprise.
During a visit to the company’s headquarters in Northern Ireland, Mr Kyle called on more businesses to follow suit, emphasising that such investments are crucial for maintaining the UK’s competitive edge in science and technology and that the Government alone cannot deliver that growth. Wrightbus is part of a growing network of high-tech businesses and innovators driving growth in Northern Ireland. The region has a thriving advanced manufacturing sector and a rapidly expanding tech scene.
The Government’s upcoming
Industrial Strategy, set to be published this summer, will build on success stories like Wrightbus and make Britain the best country to do business – helping more firms lead the way in future industries like advanced manufacturing, clean transport, and clean energy.
This investment follows Government action to increase demand for EVs, with a £2.3 billion investment already boosting British manufacturing and improving charging infrastructure. Since July, the Government has seen £34.8 billion of private investment announced into the UK’s clean energy industries. The UK was the largest EV market in Europe in 2024 and the third in the world with over 382,000 sold – up 20% on the previous year. There are now more than 75,000 public chargepoints in the UK – with one added every 29min – ensuring that motorists can recharge their EVs easily.
High-tech manufacturingLast week, Wrightbus buses passed 50 million zero-emission miles – preventing over 85,000 tonnes of CO
2 emissions compared to diesel alternatives The company’s rapid growth underscores the UK’s strength in high-tech manufacturing and the economic benefits of investing in green innovation. Wrightbus is also a potential customer of the Bradford Low Carbon Project, which received funding from the Government’s flagship hydrogen programme.
Wrightbus had a record-breaking year of orders in 2024 which it is on track to exceed this year, increasing production from 1,016 to 1,200 with plans to reach 1,400 by 2026. Its supply chain supports businesses in 47 counties, from suppliers of heating systems to software developers across the UK and in key European markets, including France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Wrightbus CEO, Jean-Marc Gales said: It was a pleasure to showcase our R&D progress to the Secretary of State. This investment represents our largest amount ever into R&D and it underlines our ambition to continue to be one of the very best zero-emission manufacturers in the UK and Europe. Innovation has played a key part in the rapid growth of Wrightbus and is one of the major factors that has allowed us to switch from having a 95% diesel bus output to a 95% zero-emission bus output in less than five years.”
He concluded: The research projects we are currently funding, including the development of our hydrogen coach, the further enhancement of the world-leading Electroliner bus, and our telematics system, will allow us to continue to push zero-emission transport boundaries and represents a huge boost for manufacturing in Northern Ireland and the wider UK.”