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Wrightbus, the County Antrim bus building company, has secured an order for 50 buses from two Hong Kong firms.

The double deck vehicles are being purchased by two operators in the city, New World First Bus Services Limited (NWFB) and CityBus Limited (CTB).

The deal is a partnership with Volvo bus which will supply the chassis.

The buses will be assembled in Malaysia by Wrightbus's new partner Masdef. It is the first order the company has secured in Hong Kong.

"This is a highly significant order for Wrightbus International" said the company's business development director Steve Harper.

"Working closely with long-term partner Volvo Bus, we have been able to secure, what is, our first order with NWFB and CTB."

"The new partnership agreement with Masdef is an important part of our strategy to extend our presence and capability in the region and will hopefully provide a springboard for further future developments."

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster recently met with representatives from Masdef during a recent trip to Singapore.

"This is substantial news for Wrightbus International which is one of Northern Ireland's most pioneering manufacturing firms," she said.

"The company's partnership agreements with Volvo Bus and Masdef have proved to be a successful way to secure valuable business with new customers such as NWFB and CTB.

"I hope these contracts will help Wrightbus International leverage future business in the region."