Alexander Dennis reviews Larbert factory closure, may retain 200 jobs in Scotland
By Eve
Scottish bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis (ADL) is reconsidering plans to close its Larbert factory, potentially saving up to 200 jobs, though its Falkirk site will still shut. The company announced in June 2025 that up to 400 roles were at risk as it planned to consolidate all production at its Scarborough plant in England, citing challenging market dynamics and rising competition from Chinese electric bus makers. ADL has developed in-house battery electric buses since 2022 after a long partnership with BYD.
Why it matters: The partial reversal signals ADL's attempt to balance cost efficiency with political and workforce pressures in its home market, while the ongoing shift to Scarborough reflects broader competitive pressure on UK bus OEMs. Procurement teams tracking UK bus supply chains should note potential production capacity changes and the manufacturer's response to Chinese EV bus competition.