A multi-million pound deal that will see iconic red double-decker buses running in Mexico City will support 1,000 jobs in Falkirk and demonstrates the “value to Scotland’s economy of being part of a strong United Kingdom,” Downing Street has insisted.
The £44 million contract, worth one billion Mexican pesos, involves the Alexander Dennis factory in Falkirk building 90 low-emission double-deckers that will be shipped to Mexico to cut congestion and pollution on the Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City’s answer to The Mall.
The buses will begin transporting passengers along the historic route from the end of this year.
Theresa May, who will visit the company’s Guildford site later today, said the deal, part of £1.7bn of taxpayer support to Britain’s exporters, showed the UK was leading the way as great trading nation.
“These iconic double-deckers being made in Falkirk to transport commuters around Mexico City are a great symbol of how the UK Government is using its muscle to help Scottish companies reach markets across the globe and win multi-million pound contracts to support jobs in Scotland,” said the Prime Minister.
“Together with our industrial strategy and investment in UK city deals, this is another example of how we are taking action to build a stronger economy right across the UK and will continue to deliver for Scotland,” she added.
The Mexican deal supports a total of more than 2,000 jobs across the UK, including 320 at the company’s Guildford site, and throughout the supply chain.
“As an international economic department, the Department for International Trade is putting export finance at the heart of trade promotion,” declared Liam Fox, the International Trade Secretary.
“The £1.7bn in financial support since last summer has helped 137 companies secure deals around the world in 40 local currencies, including the Mexican Peso. This has made buying from the UK and Scotland more attractive than ever.”
Dr Fox added: “There is global appetite for British goods and expertise and Scottish firms such as Alexander Dennis are taking advantage of the opportunities in fast growing markets like Mexico, securing deals that will boost the UK’s exports and safeguard jobs back home.”
Colin Robertson, Chief Executive of Alexander Dennis Limited, said: "It is hugely exciting to know that ADL's signature red double-decker buses will soon be transporting Mexico City's residents in style and comfort.
"As a global double-decker leader with fleets of our vehicles across the world, we see the positive impact these vehicles can have in improving the transport infrastructure, congestion and air quality in the world's busiest cities.
"Our ability to offer finance from UK Export Finance in Mexican Pesos was a significant benefit to our buyer, helping us win this major contract," he added.
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