Statement by TUV leader and local MLA Jim Allister:-
“The impending administration of Wrightbus is devastating news not just for the employees of Wrightbus but the wider North Antrim community and supply chain. My heart goes out to the hundreds with no wage packet this week or job hereafter.
“Michelin, JTI and now Wrightbus, the heart has been ripped out of Ballymena.
“The roller coaster ride of the last few weeks has added to the torment brought to the management and employees.
“I have to say that I have a suspicion that some, who showed interest in Wrightbus, may have pulled back in the hope and expectation they could buy it cheaper in administration. Such a callous calculation only adds to the sense of dismay among the workforce, as does the failure of the Dept of Infrastructure to fund the new bus order that could have come from Translink.
“For decades Wrightbus has been a constant and provider of thousands of jobs. Amidst the sadness of today I want to salute Sir William Wright for the vision and commitment which he brought in building up this company and providing good income for so many. He did not deserve this tragic outcome.
“However, Wrightbus has a great product. The combined efforts of us all must be to ensure that it does not become a fading memory but obtains a flourishing new beginning.”