“Last week has been one of the most difficult and trying for everyone in Ballymena. When Michelin and JTI fell there was great despair, but the collapse of Wrightbus has the added and poignant component of it being a locally formed and nurtured business which has failed, and without the cushion of significant redundancy packages.
“With Wrightbus the sense of loss is palpable.
“It is no surprise that anger thrives as well with many understandably asking ‘what are our politicians doing?’ I get that.
“I can only answer for myself and my party, but we have been engaged proactively with unions, the company and the administrator. Not everything can be for public consumption at this point because the overriding objective is to try and salvage as much as possible from these ruins.
“I’ve had several contacts with the Administrator over the weekend, as well as meeting with former employees and a representative of company management and engaging with potential buyers. TUV councillors have been equally active.
“I still believe something worthwhile can be salvaged. Wrightbus has a marvellous product. It must not be lost. In particular, we must not see the ‘ahead of the game’ hydrogen technology stripped out and sold to the Far East. Sir William Wright, especially, had a tremendous record for developing and embracing new technology, yet the danger is that if a buyer can’t be found for the whole business, the intellectual property rights will be sold to the highest bidder, as the Administrator breaks up the business.
“It is natural to apportion blame, but the dignity and empathy of Sir William Wright will touch many as they feel for a man who in advanced years see his life’s work crumble.
“The next few days are critical. It behoves everyone to bend all their efforts towards the end of a successful outcome.”