FirstGroup, one of the largest bus and rail operators in the UK, is to deliver a multi-million pound manufacturing boost for Northern Ireland after placing a new order with the Wright Group for 179 vehicles.
The transport operator yesterday confirmed that its bus division had ordered 464 new vehicles in the UK worth £76 million.
The majority of the new buses will be built by Falkirk- based Alexander Dennis Ltd, which will supply 222 vehicles, and Ballymena-based Wrightbus, which will build 179 vehicles.
The Volvo Group UK and Leeds company Optare will also deliver 55 of the new vehicles.
Managing director of the Wright Group Mark Nodder said the company was thrilled to be awarded the “substantial order”.
“It is a huge endorsement of the development of our StreetLite range of lightweight buses, which proved themselves best in class in every category at fuel trials conducted at Millbrook proving grounds under the close scrutiny of FirstGroup’s engineers.
“We look forward to continuing our close working relationship with First, a partnership which has lasted more than 17 years.”
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