Wrightbus in Ballymena will manufacture 55 electric buses for Greater Manchester's Bee Network. The order forms part of a £66 million investment in the company's electric vehicle range. This purchase raises the total Wrightbus buses ordered by Greater Manchester to 293.

North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland welcomed the confirmation. She described it as a vote of confidence in Northern Ireland's manufacturing sector and workforce. Mulholland met Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham during his visit to Northern Ireland on 14 March. Burnham attended the Alliance Party conference that day.

Mulholland noted that the deal shows the strength of advanced manufacturing in the region. She stated that such orders sustain local employment and demonstrate how Northern Ireland firms contribute to cleaner transport solutions. The Bee Network plans a fully electric bus fleet by 2030.