Sir William Wright, one of Northern Ireland’s best-known business figures, has been hailed as an “unsurpassed entrepreneur” following his death aged 94.
the famous founder of Wrightbus, who was knighted for his contribution to the industry, died in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Sir William founded the firm in Co Antrim with his father Robert after the Second World War.
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons paid tribute, saying his legacy could not be overstated.
“Sir William was a man of enormous reputation, not only within the manufacturing sector of Northern Ireland but also within the local community.
“A pioneer and entrepreneur of rare foresight and ability for which he was deservedly knighted, Sir William took over the family business and moved it into bus manufacturing, a process that transformed it into the Wright Group and grew into the success it is today, Wrightbus.
North Antrim MP Ian Paisley said he was “one of the last true captains of industry and commerce”.
“Today, with the death of Sir William Wright, Ballymena has lost a giant,” he said.
“God-pleasing man of faith. A loyal Ulsterman. An entrepreneur like no other.
“We will not see him again.
“I wish to extend to Lady Wright and the entire family my and my family’s and our party’s deepest condolences for their loss.”
Wrightbus is the first company in the UK to produce an electric bus.
She built London’s double-decker Routemaster – dubbed the ‘Boris Bus’ – which was commissioned by the Prime Minister when he was mayor and chairman of Transport for London, the capital’s public transport operator.
However, it ran into financial difficulties in recent years and was bought by English industrialist Joe Bamford in 2019.
Mr Paisley added: “Sir William was a gigantic character.
“He was one of the last true captains of industry and commerce and a man who made his mark, not just locally but globally. Wherever there is bus engineering, manufacturing or sales, his genius will be remembered.
“I had the honor of knowing him and his family for decades. He was a political as well as a business leader.
“He was passionate about employment and skills training for local people. He loved Northern Ireland and was dedicated in everything he did. When in his presence you know you’re with someone remarkable.
“He had that X-factor that so few have. But those who have it make a difference to everyone around. Northern Ireland was so lucky to have him as a son.’
Sir William served on Ballymena Borough Council from 1981 to 1985 and again from 1993 to 2005.
Mid and East Antrim Council awarded him the Freedom of the Borough Award in 2019 in recognition of his contribution to global business and the local economy.
In 2001 Sir William was awarded an OBE for services to the bus industry and the community. In 2011 he was awarded a CBE for services to the bus industry.
He was also knighted in May 2018 for services to both the bus industry and the UK economy.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Noel Williams said Sir William was an “inspiring engineering pioneer”.
“Since being founded by William and his father, Robert, in a tin shed in 1946, his business has grown to become a world leader in its sector and has employed thousands of people, particularly in the area and surrounding areas.
“Sir William’s vision, innovation and entrepreneurship were outstanding and he put Ballymena, indeed Northern Ireland, on the map for manufacturing excellence. He was a leader in industry and commerce.
Ulster Unionist Robin Swann said: “Sir William Wright will go down as one of north Antrim’s most legendary figures.
“He built Wrightbus into a global brand and his commitment to trade unionism was also known around the world, particularly in his previous role as a councilor in Ballymena.
“He will always be remembered as a staunch defender of Northern Ireland.
TUV leader Jim Allister said Sir William’s death was a “sad and important moment for the town and community of Ballymena and the district”.
“Freeman of the Borough, few have left such an indelible legacy in terms of lasting jobs and contributions to the economic, engineering and manufacturing success of the area,” he said.
“Wrightbus, which he so painstakingly built, remains both a key and major employer in the field and a leader in the revolutionary technology currently evident in the hydrogen and electric bus market. Much of this success can be traced to Sir William’s foresight and leadership.
Alliance MLA Patricia O’Lean said Mr Wright was a major employer in Ballymena and beyond.
“Many constituents and friends have been employed by Wrightbus over the years,” she said. “A major aspect of his legacy will be the industrial advancement of electric/hydrogen buses.”
Translink chief executive Chris Conway said it was “very sad news”, adding: “He has made a huge contribution to the bus industry globally and the NI economy.”
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