Zero-emission bus pioneer Wrightbus has acquired Midlands-based RGI Bus and Coach Refurbishment Limited, a move the company describes as "pivotal" for its expansion into bus refurbishment and repair.

The acquisition marks another milestone in what has been a standout year for Wrightbus, which was recently named the fastest-growing bus manufacturer in Europe and secured a £500 million contract with Go-Ahead. Adding RGI to its portfolio strengthens Wrightbus's capabilities as it aims to broaden its services and reinforce its commitment to growth and sustainability in the bus industry.

With the integration of RGI, Wrightbus and its subsidiary NewPower will be able to offer a comprehensive range of refurbishment services, including upholstery, metalwork, and powertrain conversions. This expanded suite of options will allow the firm to provide customers with end-to-end solutions for modernising and maintaining bus fleets, further supporting its goal to lead in the zero-emission and sustainable transit space.

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Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales said the company was entering a bold new phase in a bid to underline its global credentials.

"The growth of this company is entirely dependent on our incredible staff delivering world-leading products and services," he explained. "We want to ensure the Wrightbus name is known not just in the UK and Ireland but all across the globe.

"We are already selling buses across the UK and into Germany and Asia, and we want to ensure that we have services to maintain the entire life-cycle of the bus.

"The deal, signed at the end of last month, secures RGI’s impressive facilities in Southam along with 13 members of staff. It also sees RGI owner Ross Cleaver join Wrightbus as Head of Repair and Refurbishment UK."

Ross, a former West Midlands police officer who set the business up in 2016, said he was excited at the new challenge.

He said: "I have been following the incredible trajectory of Wrightbus since it was taken out of administration in 2019 and it’s clear that this is only just the beginning. I wanted to be a part of that continued success and so this deal was a no-brainer.

"Ever since I started RGI, our customers have been paramount. These same ethics and approach are shared by Wrightbus and I'm delighted to be involved in taking it to the next level."