November 28, 2024
Micro Bird to establish U.S. manufacturing facility to build small and midsize buses in Plattsburgh, NY
We are expanding
Drummondville (Quebec), November 26th.
Micro Bird, a joint venture between Blue Bird Corporation and Girardin, will be expanding its manufacturing operations in Plattsburgh, NY. The company has confirmed the purchase of the Nova Bus facility on Banker Road, where it plans to build both electric and non-electric versions of its current bus products. Nova Bus is set to cease operations in Plattsburgh next year.
Double our production
This investment is part of a growth strategy to double production capacity and better meet the sustained and growing demand for its products, which are known for their superior quality, durability and value. This will also provide a considerable growth opportunity for the Blue Bird brand and its well established and reputable North American dealer network.
Eric Boulé, Micro Bird’s President and CEO, said, ”We are very excited to begin this new chapter by expanding our operations in Plattsburgh, and by creating high quality job opportunities for our futur colleagues. This investment confirms Micro Bird’s position as a leading manufacturer in the North American bus industry. We are also grateful for the strong cooperation and support from the Nova Bus leadership team and representatives from the state of New York, Clinton County, and the Town of Plattsburgh.”
More than 350 jobs created
Micro Bird’s investment in capital expenditure and training will create more than 350 full-time jobs over the next several years. This project is supported by the Empire State Development with nearly $10 milion in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits and a $2.5 milion capital grant from the North Country Regional Economic Development Council.
Micro Bird in New York State
”When Nova Bus announced they would cease operations at their Plattsburgh facility, I immediately contacted company leadership and strongly advocated for solutions that would capitalize on the current workforce and existing supply chain,” Governor Hochul said. ”Today, I am proud to welcome Micro Bird – which we recruited to the North Country – where they can take advantage of our top talent, a thriving transportation cluster and the major investments we have made across the region. New York’s manufacturing sector is in the midst of a major renaissance and is a major driver of our economy – I look forward to a long a successful future for Micro Bird in New York State.”
Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, ”This Thanksgiving we have a little extra to be grateful for in Plattsburgh thanks to Micro Bird’s fantastic investment to take over the former Nova Bus manufacturing facility. I called Nova Bus’s top leadership to urge them to do the right thing and find a new owner in the transportation lane to take over this plant, and I’m thrilled that Micro Bird is stepping up to start manufacturing operations keeping hundreds of good-paying jobs here in Clinton County. This will keep the North Country economy’s wheels in motion and provide good-paying job opportunities for hundreds in the Plattsburgh area. America’s buses will continue to be stamped ‘Made in Upstate NY’ courtesy of the world-class Plattsburgh workforce. I am grateful for Governor Hochul for her partnership and leadership in helping drive this deal to ensure Upstate NY remains a leader in transportation manufacturing.”
Nova Bus President Mr. Paul Le Houillier said, “From our earliest discussions with Micro Bird, it was clear that they were the right partner with a similar manufacturing profile who would benefit from Nova Bus’s skilled employees and the cluster of suppliers in the Plattsburgh area. Choosing Micro Bird quickly became a win-win choice. We are thrilled to have concluded an agreement with a company that will carry forward the manufacturing footprint in the region for years to come and who will benefit from the same unwavering support we have received from both the Plattsburgh community and the New York State.”
Building on a culture of excellence
Micro Bird will progressively be hiring the skilled and experienced employees currently working at Nova Bus Plattsburgh, building on the culture of excellence put in place by Nova Bus. A close collaboration with Nova Bus has been established to ensure a seamless transition. Site preparation will begin in January, including hiring of employees. Start of production is scheduled for the Summer of 2025.
About Blue Bird
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. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue–bird.com.
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 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. 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.
