Routemaster order confirmed as Wrightbus partner opens in India

Visiting Wrightbus at the start of the day Mr Johnson brought with him the anticipated conmirmation of an £62 million order for an additional 195 Routemasters for the city.

The order secures 300 jobs at the Ballymena company .

Later, Mr Johnson also paid a visit to Boomer Industries, a long time collaborator with the Wright Group, where it was announced that it is to open a plant in Chennai to service the assmbly line established by the busmaker as it seeks to establishe itself in the market there.

Returnign to Ballymena, Mr Johnson was in his usual ebullient form as he praised the firm for the buses he introduced to the capital.

“Wrightbus have done a great job and the NI workforce has done a great job in producing buses that are not just much-loved by passengers on our streets but also at a good price,” he said.

“I am aware, fully aware, of some of the difficulties that industry has had in recent times in Ballymena and I am just very proud that we are able to support a great United Kingdom business.”

Attending the visit, First Minister Arlene Foster said the firm was a “shining example of a successful indigenous Northern Ireland business”.

“Innovation is a key element of economic success and Wrightbus has once again demonstrated their manufacturing credentials.

“This latest contract not only results in almost 200 Routemaster buses servicing London but it is a timely boost for the Northern Ireland manufacturing sector.”

Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: “Wrightbus is a flourishing business and this latest contract puts them in the manufacturing fast lane.

“This follow up order is testament to the quality of the hard work and skill of their workforce and the benefits to our economy will extend beyond the gates of Wrightbus.”

The production of 1,000 New Routemaster buses has sustained 300 jobs, created 100 new jobs and supported 120 apprenticeships.

Boomer Industries is one of the longest established manufacturers of PVC products in the UK and has been a key supplier to the Wright Group for around 20 years.

During his visit to its Lisburn plant, Mr Johnson learnt that the firm has invested in a new plant in Chennai close to where the coachbuilders have a major manufacturing plant.

“Not only will this enable us to support Wrightbus in India, but will also allow Boomer to exploit fresh opportunities for its products and services, as well as develop and strengthen our business links within the Asian and Middle East markets,” said managing director Andrew Robinson.

“It is a hugely significant development by Boomer after what has been a remarkably good trading year.”

A business development manager has been appointed to head up the facility.

Mr Robinson, Boomer’s financial director Andrew Wallace and product development director Thomas Faughey briefed Mr Johnson on their overseas expansion when he met in the company boardroom.

Mr Johnson was accompanied by the Northern Ireland Secretary of State Theresa Villiers and Mike Brown, the London Transport Commissioner as well as local MP Jeffrey Donaldson.

Wright Group chairman and CEO, Mark Nodder, warmly welcomed the move.

“Boomer Industries have been an important partner within our supply and development chain for more than two decades.

“Throughout that period they have played a significant supporting role, especially in the development of the Routemaster, and we are delighted the company has established a manufacturing facility in India.

“Not only will it support us, but it will also provide a vital part of their international expansion plans.”

Boomer supplies products and services throughout the Irish Republic, the UK, the Middle East and North America and aside from the transport sector, is heavily involved in supplying products for offsite construction market and the caravan and park home markets.