Latest news with #AlexanderDennisLimited
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Why is there a public funds row over Alexander Dennis leaving Scotland
A government funding row stems from ADL securing tens of millions in [[pub]]lic money after first proposing to cut around one-third of its Scottish workforce, including facilities in Falkirk and Larbert in 2020 and then admitting it is looking to move to England in June. Scottish Enterprise, the agency managing government support, has stated that its most recent review found 'no risks had been identified that would preclude continued funding' to Alexander Dennis. Who is Alexander Dennis and why does it matter to Scotland? Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) is a major bus and coach manufacturer headquartered with bases in Falkirk and Larbert. Formerly Scottish-owned, it was acquired by Canada's NFI Group in 2019. ADL employs around 1,850 people in the UK, with a significant proportion based in Falkirk and Larbert. The company is a leader in zero-emission bus technology - electric and hydrogen buses - and plays a key role in delivering Scotland's and the UK's green transport ambitions. What are the current challenges facing Alexander Dennis? ADL says it faces an 'uneven playing field' due to policies that favour foreign competitors, including Chinese electric bus manufacturers, whose market share recently rose from 10% to 35% in the UK market ADL's leadership highlighted that government procurement and subsidy schemes tend to prioritise lowest cost rather than domestic manufacturing or local job creation Additionally, UK policies under the Subsidy Control Act 2022 limit the ability to favour domestic suppliers in public funding, while Scottish rules require UK-based firms to meet Fair Work First standards, which it is claimed put ADL at a competitive disadvantage compared to international rivals who are not bound by these conditions. READ MORE from Martin Williams: Bus firm off to England in £90m Scots public funding row may get even more millions Swinney got year-long warning England-bound bus firm was 'reconsidering' Scotland FM in funding row as £90m public cash for Scots jobs given to firm going to England Union says 1600 Scots jobs at risk if government doesn't act in 'national interest' Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB) allocated £100m for green bus procurement. However, according to former SNP minister Michael Matheson with 523 vehicles ordered, only 162 - less than a third - were built by Scottish manufacturers like Alexander Dennis. It was estimated the rest went to overseas firms, including around half from China. Why are jobs in Scotland at risk? In September 2024, ADL launched a consultation on cutting 160 jobs at its Falkirk site due to funding imbalance and policy challenges In June 2025, the company announced plans to end manufacturing altogether in Falkirk and Larbert, consolidating operations at its English site in Scarborough—putting up to 400 jobs at risk in Scotland. (Image: Andrew Milligan/ PA) Unite and other unions warned that up to a multiplier of 1,600 jobs could be affected in the wider supply chain and support services if the closures proceed. Why is this important to Scotland? ADL is one of the largest manufacturing employers in central Scotland with many roles in engineering, apprenticeships, and high-skill technical jobs. The loss of production capacity would affect not only existing jobs but also local supply chains and community livelihoods ADL positions Scotland at the forefront of zero-emission transport technology, aligning with national climate targets and global export opportunities. It is argued that losing manufacturing in Larbert and Falkirk would diminish Scotland's ability to innovate and scale production in green mobility - a strategic disadvantage amid increasing global demand for clean public transport. Why is the public funding of Alexander Dennis an issue? ADL has received some £90m of taxpayer cash over the past ten years and tens of millions since a 2020 plan to axe a third of its Scottish workforce in advance of June's plan to exit to England. The firm had also admitted they had been 'forced' to offshore certain manufacturing functions to China. The public funding is contentious because substantial taxpayer money - allocated to secure jobs and promote clean, local manufacturing in Scotland has coincided with offshore production, reduced domestic orders, and now a possible factory closure and mass redundancies. This raises questions over policy design, procurement strategy, and accountability for economic outcomes. What does the Scottish Government say and how are they responding? Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes described the situation as 'hugely worrying' and says the [[Scottish Government]] is actively exploring all options to preserve jobs and retain manufacturing capacity in Scotland. The government is working with the UK Government, Transport Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, and trade unions to identify mitigation measures and potential support programs. What solutions are being proposed? Fairer procurement frameworks involving publicly funded support, including giving greater weight to local content and job creation. There has been a call for the creation of a strategic industrial partnership involving government, trade unions, industry, and colleges to support retention, reskilling, and redeployment of skilled staff in transitioning industries. Euan Stainbank MP and others have urged city-region mayors in England to place zero emission bus orders with ADL in Scotland. Their letter proposes orders totaling 70 buses in 2025, and 320 buses in 2026, to maintain steady production and job continuity. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed Labour support, stating they're working with mayors to secure future orders and uphold manufacturing in [[Falkirk]] and Larbert. A joint UK-Scottish Government working group, alongside Scottish Enterprise and trade unions, is meeting weekly to explore viable ways to sustain local operations.
Evening Standard
02-07-2025
- Business
- Evening Standard
Alexander Dennis redundancy consultation extended by two weeks
In a letter to Holyrood's Economy and Fair Work Committee, Shona Robison said: 'In a positive development, as you may be aware, ADL (Alexander Dennis Limited) have written to inform the Scottish Government that they have extended the consultation period to provide more time to explore all viable options to retain their hardworking staff and facilities at Falkirk and Larbert.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NFI Announces Updates to Board Leadership
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (TSX: NFI, OTC: NFYEF, TSX: NFI Group Inc. (NFI, or the Company) a leader in propulsion-agnostic bus and coach mobility solutions, today announced that Colin Robertson, previously Vice Chair of the Board, has been appointed Chair of the Board, succeeding Chan Galbato, who has decided to step down from the Board to pursue other opportunities. NFI Vice Chair Larry Edwards will assume the role of Lead Independent Director. 'On behalf of the Company, I would like to thank Mr. Galbato for his service, dedication and the significant effort and energy that he devoted to NFI,' said Paul Soubry, President and Chief Executive Officer of NFI. Mr. Robertson has served on NFI's Board since 2020 and brings over 30 years of global manufacturing and leadership experience, including 13 years as Chief Executive Officer of Alexander Dennis Limited (AD), acquired by NFI in 2019. Mr. Robertson previously held executive positions with global engine and power generation leader Cummins Inc., and Terex Corporation, a leading manufacturer of lifting and material handling equipment. 'NFI is uniquely positioned to capitalize on compelling market opportunities as it advances its leadership in bus and coach technology, manufacturing, and aftermarket services,' said Mr. Robertson, NFI's new Board Chair. 'The Company is poised to deliver significant value creation, and I look forward to working closely with my fellow directors and the leadership team as we drive NFI forward.' Given that Mr. Galbato has stepped down from the Board, his nomination has been removed from the slate of directors proposed to be elected at the upcoming meeting of Company's shareholders and the Company will proceed to nominate the other ten candidates. About NFI Leveraging 450 years of combined experience, NFI offers a wide range of propulsion agnostic bus and coach platforms, including market leading electric models. Through its low- and zero-emission buses and coaches, infrastructure, and technology, NFI meets today's urban demands for scalable smart mobility solutions. Together, NFI is enabling more livable cities through connected, clean, and sustainable transportation. With nearly 9,000 team members in ten countries, NFI is a leading global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions under the brands New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), MCI® (motorcoaches), Alexander Dennis Limited (single- and double-deck buses), Plaxton (motorcoaches), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), and NFI Parts™. NFI currently offers the widest range of sustainable drive systems available, including zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, and fuel cell), natural gas, electric hybrid, and clean diesel. In total, NFI supports its installed base of over 100,000 buses and coaches around the world. NFI's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol NFI and its convertible unsecured debentures trade on the TSX under the symbol News and information is available at and Forward-Looking Statement This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to expected future events and financial and operating results of NFI that involve risks and uncertainties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including market and general economic conditions (including as a result of tariffs and other trade measures) and economic conditions of and funding availability for customers to purchase buses and to purchase parts or services (including as a result of recent U.S. policy developments); customers may not exercise options to purchase additional buses; the ability of customers to suspend or terminate contracts for convenience; production may be delayed or production rates may be decreased as a result of ongoing and future supply chain disruptions and shortages of parts and components, shipping and freight delays, and disruption to and shortage of labor supply; and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at Due to the potential impact of these factors, NFI disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: Stephen King P: 204.792.1300 in to access your portfolio
