ributes have been paid to the founder of Wright busSir William Wright, who has passed away at the age of 94.
Sir William founded the company with his father Robert in Co Antrim after the Second World War.
It was the first company in the UK to produce an electric bus.
Wrightbus built the London Routemaster double-decker bus – also known as the “Boris Bus” – on behalf of the Prime Minister when he was mayor and chairman of Transport for London, the capital’s public transport company.
However, it ran into financial difficulties in recent years and was bought by English industrialist Jo Bamford in 2019.
North Antrim MP Ian Paisley said with Sir William’s passing that Ballymena “has lost a giant”.
He described him as “an entrepreneur without a match”, adding: “We won’t see his like again.”
In a statement, Mr Paisley said: “I would like to express my sincere condolences to Lady Wright and all the family on their loss.
“Sir William was a huge character. He was one of the last true leaders of industry and commerce and a man who left his mark not only locally but worldwide.
“Wherever buses are built or produced or sold, his genius will be remembered.”
Paisley described Sir William as a political and business leader who “cared passionately about the employment and skills training of the local population”.
“He loved Northern Ireland and he was committed in everything he did,” he said.
“If you knew in his presence that you were with someone remarkable. He had that X-factor that so few possess. But those who have it make a difference to everyone. Northern Ireland was fortunate to have him as a son.
“To his immediate and extended family. They can take heart in his faith, which was strong. His witness purposefully. In their time of great loss, they know that many people across the country will pray for them.”
Few have left such an indelible legacy in terms of permanent jobs and contribution to economic, technical and manufacturing success in the area
TUV leader Jim Allister described Sir William’s passing as a “sad and groundbreaking moment for the city and community of Ballymena and district”.
“A Freeman of the” districtfew have left such an indelible legacy in terms of sustainable jobs and contribution to economic, technical and manufacturing success in the area,” he said.
“Wrightbus, which he has so diligently built, continues to be both a major and major employer in the district and a leader in pioneering technology, which is currently evident in the hydrogen and electric bus market.
“Much of this success is due to the foresight and leadership of Sir William, an entrepreneur of exceptional talent.
“I want to extend my heartfelt Christian condolences to his widow and family.”