Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), a leader in electric and low-emission school buses, has announced the U.S. expansion of its joint venture Micro Bird’s manufacturing operations. Micro Bird, co-owned by Blue Bird and Girardin, has acquired the Nova Bus facility in Plattsburgh, NY, to produce small and midsize buses, with production slated to begin in mid-2025.
This strategic investment will enable Micro Bird to double its production capacity, meeting the growing demand for its diverse range of school buses, school activity buses, multi-purpose vehicles, and commercial buses.
The Plattsburgh facility is expected to generate over 350 full-time jobs in the coming years. Support for the project includes nearly $10 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits and a $2.5 million capital grant from the North Country Regional Economic Development Council, facilitated by Empire State Development.
“We are thrilled to expand our leadership in Type A small and midsize buses with Micro Bird’s U.S. manufacturing capacity expansion in the great state of New York,” said Phil Horlock, President and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “The new facility will double our Micro Bird production capacity and marks a significant milestone in our journey of long-term profitable growth.”
Eric Boulé, President and CEO of Micro Bird, added, “We are excited to expand our operations in Plattsburgh and create high-quality job opportunities. This investment underscores Micro Bird’s position as a leading manufacturer in the North American bus industry. We are grateful for the strong support from Nova Bus leadership, as well as state and local officials.”
The transition will be carried out in collaboration with Nova Bus to ensure a smooth handover. Micro Bird plans to hire skilled employees currently working at the Nova Bus facility to maintain its culture of excellence. Site preparations will begin in January 2025, with employee onboarding ahead of production, which is scheduled to start in summer 2025.
About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses in operation today. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions.
About Girardin
Girardin is a third-generation family business specializing in school bus transportation for over 65 years and having its head office in Drummondville, Quebec (Canada) for almost 60 years. Girardin, a reputable partner and authorized distributor of Blue Bird school buses, also produces Micro Bird minibuses at its Drummondville facility through its 50/50 joint venture with Blue Bird Corporation. It provides the widest selection of electric school buses together with individualized charging infrastructure assistance. Girardin is a manufacturer, distributor, and operator of school buses and electric school buses. The company’s more than 40 operating divisions employ close to 3,000 employees.