Wrightbus has announced the creation of 50 new jobs in Oxfordshire following the increase in diesel bus electrification at its NewPower factory in Bicester.

The announcement was made by CEO Jean-Marc Gales at the new facility’s opening ceremony on 27 February, which was officiated by Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood.

Minister Lightwood said:

Great to officially open Wrightbus’ New Power facility today and see how they’re breathing a clean new life into old diesel buses, helping us meet our climate goals. We are committed to supporting decarbonisation, with our incoming Bus Services Bill including a measure to bring an end to the use of new diesel or petrol buses on most English bus routes from no earlier than 2030.

We are also empowering local leaders to take control of their bus services, improving access to job opportunities and driving up living standards.

Wrightbus has stated that it intends to grow its 65-strong workforce currently operating at the facility by an additional 50 once it hits its target of 250 repowered buses per year.

NewPower was first launched by Wrightbus in 2024, with the new entity focused on the retrofitting of mid-life diesel buses, replacing their existing engines with zero-emission electric powertrains.

Wrightbus CEO, Jean-Marc Gales, said:

We are delighted to show Mr Lightwood the importance of what we are doing here at NewPower.

Repowering diesels gives them a 10-year second life and is a hugely affordable solution to operators. We believe the Department for Transport should ensure Mayors and councils have the full range of UK-made technologies available to speed up their delivery of decarbonisation and improved air quality commitments.

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