Wrightbus Secures £150M Finance Package to Accelerate Growth and Production Expansion
Key Ideas
  • Wrightbus, a leading UK zero-emission bus manufacturer, has obtained a landmark £150 million finance package from HSBC UK to boost global growth and production of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
  • The funding will support the company's vision to become a world leader in sustainable transport, expand operations in Northern Ireland and Malaysia, and invest in cutting-edge technology and divisions like NewPower and Rightech.
  • Since its rescue in 2019, Wrightbus has experienced significant growth, now employing over 2,300 staff and producing 1,200 buses annually, with a focus on zero-emission vehicles.
  • HSBC UK's support is seen as instrumental in Wrightbus's transformation, aiding in boosting UK manufacturing, expanding internationally, and contributing to the decarbonization of public transport through electric and hydrogen buses.
Wrightbus, headquartered in Ballymena, United Kingdom, has secured a substantial £150 million finance package from HSBC UK to accelerate its global growth and increase the production of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. This funding, which more than doubles the existing financial support for the company, aims to propel Wrightbus towards its ambitious goal of becoming a prominent figure in sustainable transport. The deal includes hedging and working capital support, enabling the company to scale up its operations at factories in Northern Ireland and Malaysia. It will also facilitate ongoing investment in advanced technology and the expansion of key divisions such as NewPower and Rightech. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Jean-Marc Gales, Wrightbus views this funding as a crucial step towards decarbonizing public transport with a focus on electric and hydrogen-powered buses. The company's success not only benefits its 2,300 employees but also supports around 7,500 jobs in the wider supply chain. The support from HSBC UK is expected to enhance Wrightbus's international reach, particularly in ramping up production in Malaysia to cater to the Asia Pacific market. Since being rescued by entrepreneur Jo Bamford in 2019, Wrightbus has experienced a significant transformation, expanding its workforce and production capacity while emphasizing zero-emission vehicles. The company's Executive Chairman, Jo Bamford, expressed pride in the progress made, highlighting the role of each new order in promoting UK manufacturing on a global scale. The funding from HSBC UK will not only drive the expansion of Wrightbus's NewPower and Rightech divisions but also bolster its efforts in converting diesel buses into electric vehicles at a cutting-edge facility in Bicester. The company's commitment to sustainable innovation within the UK manufacturing sector aligns with HSBC UK's dedication to supporting zero-emission vehicles and sustainable practices. With a focus on accelerating the UK's transition to zero-emission vehicles, HSBC UK's backing of Wrightbus signifies a strategic partnership in advancing the decarbonization of public transport. The transaction has been praised for its operational flexibility and its potential to position Wrightbus as a key player in the zero-emission revolution within the transportation industry.
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