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Wrightbus: Northern Ireland’s green bus pioneer drives global export success
How UKEF support helped Wrightbus transform the future of sustainable public transport

Wrightbus, based in Ballymena, County Antrim, made history in 2020 by introducing the world’s first hydrogen-powered double-decker bus. The company has established itself as a pioneering manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles, including both hydrogen and electric-powered single and double-decker buses. Their innovation has positioned them at the global forefront of sustainable public transport technology.
The challenge
Due to the capital-intensive nature of zero-emission vehicle production, Wrightbus faced a financial gap between the manufacture and delivery of road-ready buses. Limited access to working capital constrained Wrightbus’ capacity to fulfil international orders while maintaining domestic production.
The solution
UK Export Finance provided crucial support through a range of financing arrangements in collaboration with Barclays Bank:
- A £26 million package in 2022, comprising an £18 million Green Trade Loan and £8 million Green Bank Guarantee.
- A subsequent £50 million financing package in 2023, backed through UKEF’s Export Development Guarantee.
These financing solutions unlocked the working capital that allowed Wrightbus to secure contracts and deliver orders from international clients.
The impact
The UKEF-backed financing has enabled Wrightbus to increase its export revenues, delivering orders from clients in Germany, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and North America.
This growth in exports has also contributed to the local economy, with the creation of 1,000 new jobs in Ballymena.
“UKEF and Barclays’ support has been fundamental to the development of Wrightbus. The flexible products suit the needs of our business, which is growing exponentially and requires financial headroom.”

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