£7.3m research grant helps create 100 jobs at bus firm

● Company aims to double turnover by exporting hybrid and electric buses

More than 100 jobs are to be created at bus maker Alexander Dennis with the support of Scotland’s biggest-ever research and development grant.

The Falkirk-based firm is to receive £7.3 million from Scottish Enterprise towards its £31 million low carbon vehicles programme.

The company is building hybrid and electric buses, and plans to double turnover by 2020 through new development. Alexander Dennis said the funds would create 101 new jobs and secure 126 existing jobs.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Alexander Dennis (ADL) is one of the world’s leading bus and coach builders, and a true Scottish success story.

“This new grant funding, the highest-ever research and development (R&D) award by Scottish Enterprise, will create 101 new jobs and secure a further 126 jobs in ADL’S low carbon vehicles project.

“The project is integral to ADL’S growth and export strategy to capture more of the increasing global demand for environmentally-friendly buses.

“ADL’S continued commitment to invest in Scotland is testament to the skilled workforce here in Falkirk.

“We’ll continue to work with manufacturers like ADL to innovate and expand, and we’ll set out further measures to grow the Scottish economy later this week.”

A consortium led by Sir Angus Grossart, Stagecoach co-founder Sir Brian Souter and former Rangers owner Sir David Murray bought Alexander Dennis in 2004 after its parent company, Transbus, went into administration.

The Highland Global Trans- port (HGT) investment portfolio set up by Souter and his sister Ann Gloag now owns nearly 58 per cent in the firm.

Colin Robertson, chief executive of Alexander Dennis, said: “We are delighted that Scottish Enterprise supports us in our aim of developing low and zero emission buses for the global market.

“We look forward to local authorities and cities around the UK as well as abroad seizing the opportunity to introduce these next-generation vehicles which bring massive benefits to passengers, city dwellers and the environment.

Scottish Enterprise said it has invested £192 million in research and development.