Wrightbus has appointed automotive industry veteran Axel J. Maschka as its new Chief Executive, marking a leadership transition at the Northern Ireland-based manufacturer as it continues to expand its battery-electric and hydrogen bus operations.
Maschka succeeds Jean-Marc Gales, who led the company for two and a half years and will move into the role of deputy chairman from Dec. 1 to concentrate on Wrightbus’s global strategic development, the company said.
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Maschka brings senior management experience from companies including Hyundai Mobis, Valeo, Volvo, Continental, Leclanché, Bosch and Mercedes-Benz. Wrightbus said his initial priorities will include strengthening production processes, raising operational reliability and supporting growth across its zero-emission vehicle programmes.
“I am delighted to be taking over at Wrightbus and I have been given an extremely warm welcome – from owner Jo Bamford through to the people I have met on the shop floor,” Maschka said.
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He added that the company would retain its traditional customer- and employee-focused culture as it scales its business. “The Wrightbus of today is very different from the one that launched in 1946, but we must hold onto those traditional values where we treat our employees like family and our customers like royalty,” he said.
Wrightbus, which operates under the HydraB Group, supplies battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses to markets in the UK and overseas. Maschka said being part of the wider group strengthens the company’s ability to deliver full transport solutions beyond vehicle manufacturing.
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“Being part of the HydraB Group gives us access to a whole portfolio of companies offering everything from depot infrastructure and charging to service and maintenance,” he said.
The company said further job growth is expected at its manufacturing site in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, and at its operations in Malaysia as demand for zero-emission buses continues to rise.
Maschka said Wrightbus was well placed to grow internationally. “I firmly believe we have the right people, the right skills and the right facilities to develop this historic company and put it on the world stage,” he said.