An Alliance delegation has held “detailed and productive discussions” with the administrators of Wrightbus, party Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MLA has said.
Dr Farry was speaking after meeting with administrators Deloitte in Ballymena, alongside party colleagues Kellie Armstrong MLA and John Blair MLA, as well as former party leader David Ford.
“These were detailed and productive discussion,” he said.
“While this is an incredibly difficult period for everyone concerned, nevertheless it is encouraging the administrators remain focused on trying to find a buyer for Wrightbus as a single package. However, the window to achieve this is narrow and realistically only a matter of weeks.
“But it is clear there are a number of obstacles that need to be overcome. These include addressing the level of debts to creditors, overall customer confidence in the operation and issues regarding the property.
“It is important all stakeholders play a role in finding a workable solution to this, while displaying a large degree of pragmatism and realism. The Government also needs to decide the role it can play in the matter. Alliance will be following up with various stakeholders in the coming days.
“The potential loss of Wrightbus has devastating consequences for Ballymena and the wider Antrim area, with knock-on implications for the wider supply chain and other businesses in the area. It is important we do all we can to not only preserve our manufacturing base, but ensure we have the conditions in place to share that manufacturing throughout Northern Ireland.”