Leading UK manufacturer Wrightbus is calling on bus enthusiasts, former employees, drivers, operators, suppliers and members of the public to help rebuild the company’s historic archive as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations.
The Northern Ireland-based manufacturer is asking people to share photographs, stories, and memories from across eight decades of Wrightbus history, including images of vehicles in service, rallies, depot visits, and life inside the factory.
Before Jo Bamford CBE rescued the company from administration in 2019, a significant amount of historical archive material was lost. Now, as Wrightbus celebrates its landmark year, efforts are under way to preserve and rebuild its shared history with the help of the wider Wrightbus community.
Bus author and enthusiast Paul Savage was one of those to visit the headquarters during its staff fun day this month, on-hand to unveil a giant mural of Wrightbuses past and present.
Paul helped supply photos and information for the 30-ft long picture wall, helping the team piece together some of the best bits from the company’s proud history.
He also shared memories with the team after helping to compile The Wright Way, a book to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Wrightbus.
“My relationship with Wrightbus began nearly 20 years ago, probably early 2007, when I was asked by then Wrights director Ted Hesketh if I would work with Jack Kernohan, retired Sales Director, on his reminiscences of 60 years of the company,” he said.
“That led to the publication in 2010 of The Wright Way – a book which one reviewer suggested should be on the reading lists of business studies courses. Jack joked that I was there to translate his Ballymena Ulster-Scots into English so the rest of the world could understand it.
“It’s been wonderful to be back again, this time piecing together some of the best bits from the archives. But more is needed.”
The firm is particularly interested in photographs of Wrightbus vehicles from across the decades, images from the Ballymena factory, and memories from people who have worked for, travelled on, or supported Wrightbus vehicles over the years.
Christian Reynolds, Managing Director at Wrightbus, said: “Our 80th anniversary is a celebration of everyone who has been part of the Wrightbus story over the last eight decades, and our thanks go to Paul and others who have been so generous with their help so far.
“From the people who designed and built our buses, to the drivers who operated them and the passengers who relied on them every day, thousands of people have played a part in our journey.
“We want to capture those memories and preserve them for future generations. Whether you have a photograph of a Wrightbus vehicle on your local route, a picture from inside our factory, or a personal story connected to the company, we would love to hear from you.”
Anyone with photographs or memories to share can do so by emailing heritage@wrightbus.com. Selected images and stories may feature in future Wrightbus displays and online content as part of the company’s anniversary celebrations.
Founded in 1946, Wrightbus has been at the forefront of public transport innovation, pioneering developments including aluminium bus framing and low-floor technology, while producing some of the UK’s most recognisable vehicles, including the iconic London New Routemaster.
Today, the company is leading the transition to zero-emission transport, having produced more than 3,000 zero-emission buses for operators around the world, including the world’s first hydrogen double deck bus.
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