Alexander Dennis secures major order in Canada

Bus producer Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) is to set up a new manufacturing plant in Canada after winning an order for up to 400 vehicles.

The move follows a deal with Ontario transport authority Metrolinx to supply more than 250 new low-height double-deck buses over the next five years.

The agreement includes an option for a further 150 vehicles, if required.

ADL already has nearly 125 double-decks operating in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area of Ontario.

The bus firm will build a chassis assembly facility in Ontario next year, creating up to 30 jobs in the process.

The first of the new buses are expected to be delivered in early 2016.

The value of the deal with Metrolinx has not been disclosed.

'Milestone'

ADL chief executive Colin Robertson said: "This initiative is the result of a seven-year business relationship with Metrolinx that has gone from strength to strength.

"It involves a multi-year, exclusive agreement for the supply of double-deck buses and marks a milestone for ADL.

"It also reinforces the reputation and performance credentials of our Enviro500 high capacity, three-axle double-deck range, which is now proving to be a winner in continents around the world."