Wrightbus closure: Four bidders interested in troubled company, says union

Four bidders are interested in the troubled Co Antrim bus-building firm Wrightbus, a trade union has said.
Wrightbus workers and supporters at a meeting at The Ballymena Showgrounds on WednesdayWrightbus workers and supporters at a meeting at The Ballymena Showgrounds on Wednesday
Wrightbus workers and supporters at a meeting at The Ballymena Showgrounds on Wednesday

The Ballymena-based company was placed into administration last week with the loss of 1,200 jobs. The firm struggled following a downturn in demand for buses in the UK.

Hundreds of Wrightbus workers and their families gathered at Ballymena Showgrounds yesterday afternoon for a mass meeting organised by the Unite union.

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Harland and Wolff worker Joe Passmore was among supporters that turned out to show solidarity, and urged the Wrightbus workers to “keep fighting for their jobs”.

Harland and Wolff union rep and worker Joe Passmore (left) attended the rally at Ballymena ShowgroundsHarland and Wolff union rep and worker Joe Passmore (left) attended the rally at Ballymena Showgrounds
Harland and Wolff union rep and worker Joe Passmore (left) attended the rally at Ballymena Showgrounds

It came days after the Harland and Wolff workers learned a buyer had been found for the Belfast shipyard and the jobs were to be preserved.

Those gathered at the Ballymena Showgrounds site were told by a union official of interest in Wrightbus from four bidders.

George Brash, Unite regional officer, said: “Two of the bidders we were already aware of from previous meetings, and there was two additions from the EU.

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“So those bidders have been on site this week and we are looking to have meetings with them and hopefully try and get something sorted so that you can get back to work.”

Another protest is to be held in the town tomorrow. A march will leave Unite Ballymena offices at noon and proceed to the Wrightbus gates, where a rally will be held.

Administrator Deloitte told the News Letter this week that it is “actively engaged in efforts to secure a buyer for the business, and discussions are taking place with a number of interested parties”.

In a letter sent to councillors ahead of a special meeting of Mid and East Antrim Council on Tuesday night, North Antrim MP Ian Paisley said: “I have spoken directly to two bidders. Both of these companies have engaged with the administrator and under the changed circumstances that now pertain this offers hope at this difficult time.”