Robert Wright is to diversify
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• Minibus bodybuilder Robert Wright & Son (Coachworks) of Ballymena is diversifying into full length PCVs, with a more rounded version of its Alusuisse body.
It plans to unveil a citybus and express coach in November.
Both of the new models can be based on any chassis between 10-12m offering space for up to 53 seats.
The family-owned firm plans to sell around 100 full-size units in 1992, compared with 10 last year. It anticipates selling between 25-75 express coaches to a single customer alone.
Jeff Wright, who has just been promoted from production director to commercial director, says that the express coach is plusher than a citybus, but plainer than a luxury coach. Robert Wright stopped making its luxury Contour coach about four years ago.
Wright says that the company has a "reasonable order book until January next year" including a follow-on order from London Buses for bodying 20 Dennis Darts and one from West Midlands Travel for five Darts.
This year Wright expects to produce around 300 units, an increase of 65 on 1990. The company hopes to build another workshop of more than 1,000m' but it has no immediate plans to increase the 200-strong workforce.