A COACHBUILDING manufacturer in Westhoughton welcomed Bolton West MP Chris Green to its site as he checked on progress that has been made since it was privatised.

Established in 1820, Woodall Nicholson Ltd (WNL) was acquired by private investors in 2013 under the leadership of chairman Brian Davidson. Today it employs almost 250 people.

Since then the business has thrived and continues to invest heavily in new products and infrastructure in a constantly changing industry.

WNL CEO Geoff Hudson, said: “There is a realisation in the bus market that size appropriate buses are now important and that one size no longer fits all”.

John Randerson, who runs Mellor, WNL’s bus company based in North Manchester, showed Mr Green around two recently launched new products.

The Strata and Tucana II buses have been designed with size in mind and are said to have big bus features in small bus formats.

Mr Green said: “It was fantastic to hear about Woodall Nicholson’s exciting plans for the future and see first-hand their manufacturing base in Westhoughton, as well as two of their brand new buses.”

He added: “This is a thriving world-class business with a long and successful history. I was particularly impressed with their plans to adapt and innovate for new and emerging markets.”