Around 170 new jobs are to be created in a major research and development programme at a top Northern Ireland coach-building firm.
Wrightbus is investing nearly £15 million in a three-year strategy to produce three new products at its plant in Ballymena, Co Antrim.
British Secretary of State, Peter Hain
A new street car, a clean-air electric hybrid transport vehicle and a double-deck bus for worldwide export are to be made at the factory.
The British Secretary of State, Peter Hain, who revealed the plans during a visit to the company, said: "The impact this investment will have on the Ballymena area cannot be understated.
"Not only will it help safeguard the future of Wrightbus, it will also make a significant contribution to the continued success of the Northern Ireland economy."
Invest NI is providing £2.7 million to help finance the largest investment in the history of a firm recognised as one of Europe's leading bus and coach body builders.
Although much of its market is in the UK and Ireland, the company has also exported globally. Parts have been sold in Hong Kong, the United States and across Europe.
The new jobs will strengthen an existing workforce of 920 staff that has made Wrightbus one of the main employers in the area.