Wrightbus, based in Ballymena, experienced a notable growth in sales and workforce despite facing a trading loss. The company's turnover surged by £120 million, reaching £283.4 million, with a significant recruitment drive that added over 400 employees to their workforce. While reporting a pre-tax loss of £6.3 million, Wrightbus has been actively expanding its production of electric and hydrogen-powered buses. Notably, they successfully launched a left-hand drive hydrogen fuel cell bus compliant with German regulations, adding to their range of buses. The company's workforce now stands at 1,289 employees, with a focus on enhancing skills in electrical engineering and hydrogen gas engineering to meet the industry's transition to zero emissions. Wrightbus secured a groundbreaking £500 million deal to supply 1,000 buses to Go-Ahead, creating job opportunities, supporting the UK supply chain, and contributing to environmental initiatives. The company's strategic investments in research and development have positioned them as a key player in the UK manufacturing industry, with plans for further expansion in 2024.