Wrightbus bosses have hailed production efficiencies and a full order book for a three-quarter (77%) rise in revenue at the Ballymena-based business.
Chief Executive Jean-Marc Gales said he was “incredibly proud” of the results which saw turnover jump from £257.8 million in 2023 to £455.1m last year.
Wrightbus had 49 employees when it was rescued from administration in 2019 and now has more than 2,300, with a further 7,500 jobs secured in the largely UK supply chain.
Gales pointed the company’s £25m investment and research programmes which heralded the development of multiple new products, including a new coach, 6×2 double-deck bus and the rollout of a repowered truck – with orders across the UK, Germany and Asia.
Wrightbus, which is owned by Jo Bamford, also launched NewPower, its repowering division in Bicester; announced record numbers of apprentices, with 103 trainees learning skills from electronics to fabrication; and increased investment in its Malaysia factory, which services orders across south east Asia.
There has also been staff upskilling, with more employees gaining electrical and hydrogen gas engineering expertise.
Gales said: “Wrightbus has a proven track record in innovative engineering and design, and 2024 saw the successful launch of a left-hand drive hydrogen fuel cell bus compliant with all German regulations.
“In a tough market we have thrived, creating thousands of jobs, bringing new levels of product quality to the bus market and delighting passengers.
“Continued investment in our people remains a priority and is key to retaining our competitive advantage.”
