Wrightbus has launched a public appeal for photographs, documents and personal memories to help reconstruct its lost archive as the manufacturer marks 80 years since its founding in Ballymena.

Much of the company’s historical record was lost before Jo Bamford rescued the business from administration in 2019. The gap means surviving material may now sit in personal collections, family albums and the archives of bus enthusiasts.

The manufacturer is asking former employees, their families, bus drivers, operators, suppliers, passengers and enthusiasts to search their collections for relevant images and stories.

Managing Director Christian Reynolds said the anniversary is a celebration of everyone who contributed to the company’s journey, and the firm wants to capture those memories for future generations.

The appeal lists specific interests: photographs of Wrightbus vehicles across the decades, pictures taken at the Ballymena factory, vehicles photographed in service, at rallies or during depot visits, and personal recollections from anyone connected to the company. Material can be sent to heritage@wrightbus.com.

Recovery work has already begun. Bus author and enthusiast Paul Savage returned to Wrightbus headquarters during a staff fun day, where a 30-foot mural featuring the company’s past and present was unveiled. He supplied photographs and information for the display, and had previously worked on a book for the firm’s 60th anniversary.

Wrightbus was founded in Ballymena in 1946. It pioneered aluminium bus framing and low-floor technology, and its vehicles include the New Routemaster for London. The company has now produced more than 3,000 zero-emission buses, including the world’s first hydrogen double-deck bus.