Blue Bird Corporation, a leader in electric and low-emission school buses, is proud to announce the expansion of Micro Bird’s manufacturing operations in the United States. This strategic move will enhance Micro Bird’s ability to meet the increasing demand for its range of small and midsize buses. Micro Bird, a 50/50 joint venture between Blue Bird Corporation and Girardin, has confirmed the purchase of the Nova Bus facility located in Plattsburgh, New York, and plans to begin production at this site in mid-2025.
The decision to acquire the Plattsburgh facility marks a significant milestone in Micro Bird’s growth strategy. The expansion is set to double the company’s production capacity, positioning it to better serve the expanding market for its full line of school buses, school activity buses, multi-purpose vehicles, and commercial buses. This expansion comes at a time when the demand for sustainable and efficient transportation options, particularly in the school bus sector, continues to rise across North America.
Once operational, the new manufacturing facility in Plattsburgh will create more than 350 full-time jobs over the next several years. These positions will contribute to the local economy, providing opportunities for skilled workers in the region. Micro Bird’s decision to invest in this facility has been supported by the state of New York, which has provided nearly $10 million in performance-based tax credits through the Excelsior Jobs Program. Additionally, the North Country Regional Economic Development Council has granted Micro Bird a $2.5 million capital grant to assist with the expansion project.
Phil Horlock, President and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation, expressed excitement over the expansion: “We are thrilled to expand our leadership in the Type A small and midsize bus market with Micro Bird’s U.S. manufacturing capacity expansion in the great state of New York. Once fully operational, the new facility will double our Micro Bird production capacity and represent a major step forward in our long-term growth journey. This is an exciting development for both Blue Bird and Micro Bird, as it will allow us to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation solutions.”
Eric Boulé, President and CEO of Micro Bird, also shared his enthusiasm about the project: “We are excited to begin this new chapter in our operations with the expansion of our manufacturing facility in Plattsburgh. This investment not only strengthens Micro Bird’s position as a leading bus manufacturer in North America but also creates numerous high-quality job opportunities for our future colleagues. We are grateful for the strong support from the leadership team at Nova Bus, as well as the representatives from the state of New York, Clinton County, and the Town of Plattsburgh. Their cooperation has been instrumental in making this expansion a reality.”
The expansion of the Plattsburgh facility will involve a seamless transition from Nova Bus, with Micro Bird progressively hiring skilled employees currently working at the site. The company is committed to maintaining the high standards of excellence established by Nova Bus and will work closely with the existing workforce to ensure a smooth integration of operations. This collaboration will ensure that the production process continues without disruption, enabling Micro Bird to meet the growing demand for its products.
Site preparation for the new manufacturing operations is scheduled to begin in January 2025, and Micro Bird plans to hire employees in the coming months. Production is expected to begin in the summer of 2025, with the facility ramping up its capacity over the following months to meet the expected demand. The addition of the Plattsburgh facility will help Micro Bird keep pace with the significant growth of the electric and low-emission bus market, further reinforcing its position as a key player in the North American bus manufacturing industry.
With its expanded production capabilities, Micro Bird is set to play a crucial role in addressing the rising demand for clean, efficient, and cost-effective transportation solutions. The investment in the Plattsburgh facility represents not only a major business milestone for Micro Bird and Blue Bird Corporation but also a strong commitment to supporting local communities, creating jobs, and contributing to the development of sustainable transportation infrastructure in the United States.
