A £500m investment by North East transport operator Go Ahead is set to create up to 500 new manufacturing jobs.
The Newcastle-based bus and rail business has announced the major investment as part of moves to decarbonise its fleet, a strategy which includes creating a new manufacturing line and partnership with Northern Ireland-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus.
The investment is set to fund up to 1,200 new zero emission buses over the next three years for Go Ahead, accelerating its transition to greener buses across the country. For every vehicle manufactured, 10 trees will be planted by Go-Ahead and Wrightbus in the towns and cities where the buses are deployed.
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Go-Ahead Bus CEO Matt Carney said: “This multimillion-pound investment and partnership with WrightBus will accelerate the transition to zero-emission fleet across the 海角视频. We are proud to be working in partnership with the 海角视频 Government and local authorities to deliver transformational environmental change for communities, while supporting 海角视频 jobs and the growth of the country’s supply chain.”
Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales said: “The deal with Go-Ahead is hugely significant and represents a huge boost to the 海角视频’s economy. It will support homegrown manufacturing, jobs and skills for the next three years and beyond. We’ve always been proud to support the 海角视频’s supply chain and our Go-Ahead partnership will ensure even more money can be spent securing good green jobs.
“We must also not forget that this deal represents a massive step forward in our ambition to help decarbonise the transport sector with our world-leading products. It was heartening today to hear the Government reaffirm its commitment to a green transport sector.”
The announcement comes ahead of the International Investment Summit which will gather 海角视频 leaders, high-profile investors and businesses from across the world.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh is also set to announce the creation of a new 海角视频 bus manufacturing expert panel, which will bring together industry experts and local leaders to explore ways to ensure the 海角视频 remains a leader in bus manufacturing, help authorities deliver their transport ambitions, and take advantage of growing opportunities within zero emission transport technologies.
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Ms Haigh said: “The number one mission of this Government is growing the economy. The half a billion pounds Go Ahead is announcing today shows the confidence industry has in investing in the 海角视频. This announcement will see communities across the country benefit from brand new, state of the art green buses – which will deliver cleaner air and better journeys.
“We’re creating the right conditions for businesses to flourish, so we can support jobs and accelerate towards decarbonising the transport sector. Under this Government, Britain is open for business.”