Wrightbus Secures £150 Million Financing for Decarbonizing Public Transport Globally
Key Ideas
  • Wrightbus, a zero-emission bus manufacturer, receives a £150 million finance package from HSBC UK to support growth plans and decarbonization of public transport fleets worldwide.
  • The funding will help accelerate production, develop new technologies, broaden product offerings, and support the growth of new divisions focusing on electric drivetrains and short e-buses.
  • Since its acquisition in 2019, Wrightbus has seen significant growth, employing over 2,300 people and producing mostly zero-emission vehicles, with a recent focus on hydrogen coach development.
  • HSBC UK's support and tailored funding solutions demonstrate a commitment to decarbonization, accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles in the public transport sector.
Wrightbus, a leading zero-emission bus manufacturer, has secured a substantial £150 million finance package from HSBC UK to advance its growth plans and further the global decarbonization of public transport fleets. This funding, doubling the company's previous financial support, aims to facilitate the acceleration of production at its manufacturing sites in Northern Ireland and Malaysia. The investment also includes a significant £25 million in research and development, with a focus on developing a hydrogen coach. Under the leadership of entrepreneur Jo Bamford since 2019, Wrightbus has undergone a transformation, employing over 2,300 individuals and annually producing around 1,200 buses, primarily zero-emission vehicles. The company's current focus on hydrogen-powered buses aligns with its goal to provide cleaner and greener transportation options globally. The financing from HSBC UK will not only support the development of new technologies and the expansion of product offerings but also aid in the growth of NewPower and Rightech, two new divisions within the company. NewPower will concentrate on repowering buses with electric drivetrains, while Rightech will focus on introducing short e-buses in collaboration with King Long. The positive sentiment surrounding the financing deal is evident from the statements of Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales and Executive Chairman Jo Bamford, emphasizing the significance of this support in accelerating growth and investing in decarbonizing public transport. HSBC UK's backing and expertise in the industry are seen as instrumental in propelling Wrightbus towards a future of sustainable transportation solutions. The tailored solutions provided by HSBC and the collaboration with asset management firm HYCAP have been structured to ensure operational flexibility in meeting the capital requirements for delivering electric and hydrogen buses at the necessary speed and scale. This partnership underscores HSBC UK's commitment to supporting the transition to zero-emission vehicles and decarbonization of the public transport system in the UK, highlighting the importance of financial backing for sustainable initiatives.
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