$25 million expansion delivers on Company's commitment to U.S. infrastructure, innovation and jobs
ST. CLOUD, MN, Sept. 15, 2017 /CNW/ - (TSX: NFI) New Flyer of America Inc. ("New Flyer"), the U.S. subsidiary of New Flyer Industries Inc. (the "Company"), the largest transit bus and motor coach manufacturer and parts distributor in North America, today broke ground on a USD $25 million building renovation and expansion project in Anniston, Alabama. The 36 acre, five building campus will feature a new Vehicle Innovation Center ("VIC"), North America's first innovation lab dedicated to the advancement of bus and coach technology. The VIC will be led in partnership with Motor Coach Industries Inc. ("MCI"), another U.S. subsidiary of the Company, and delivers on the Company's commitment to improving U.S. jobs, infrastructure, manufacturing, and innovation.
"Repairing infrastructure through advanced technology is paramount to America's competitiveness, safety and prosperity. Through New Flyer's investment in advanced engineering and manufacturing, we have the potential to dramatically transform the future of public transportation in the U.S.," said Wayne Joseph, President of New Flyer of America. "We are proud to power sustainable new technologies, collaborations for smart cities and opportunities to connect people to places."
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey was in attendance to commemorate the groundbreaking, as part of her Listen, Learn, Help, and Lead Tour to assess community needs through roundtable discussions with local government and business leaders. New Flyer's investment in the expansion was supported by the City of Anniston, State of Alabama, and Alabama Power ("Southern Company").
"New Flyer's increased presence in Alabama will bolster the economy and serve as a proving ground for U.S. advanced technology," Governor Ivey said. "This project will benefit our people, our communities, and the world around us, while reinforcing the message that Alabama is open for business."
Establishment of the VIC also includes development of an advisory group comprised of industry leaders. The VIC will formally open in October 2017, with the expansion expected to be completed by June 2018. Through ongoing delivery of interactive experiences and collaboration with industry leaders, the VIC will feature a world-class manufacturing lab, exhibit space, and training areas to:
"We are proud to join forces with New Flyer of America in bringing the Vehicle Innovation Center to life," said Ian Smart, President of Motor Coach Industries. "By leveraging our strengths, we will amplify our industry-leading development of bus and coach technologies, and we look forward to driving American innovation forward with sustainable electric and autonomous solutions."
Development of the VIC is supported by New Flyer and MCI partners, each contributing interactive learning experiences that highlight New Flyer's electric and autonomous vehicle technologies. Partners confirmed to date include: Siemens, ABB, A123 Systems, XALT Energy, Parker / Vansco, Valeo (Spheros), Vapor Bus International (WABTEC), Powerex Inc., Ballard Power Systems, Hydrogenics, ChargePoint, Thermo King, EMP, Center for Transportation and the Environment, CALSTART, and Alabama Power. Elements of the VIC will be on display October 9-11 at the tri-annual APTA Expo in Atlanta, Georgia.
"New Flyer of America is proud to expand our leadership role in evolving public transportation with buses engineered and built right here in Alabama. We look forward to making a positive impact on the community through innovative technology and job creation, and sincerely appreciate the support from local and state officials in Alabama, specifically Governor Ivey, Mayor Draper and City Manager Salley, Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield, and Alabama Power," said Joseph.
The Anniston, Alabama campus, acquired by New Flyer of America in 2013, manufactures complete transit buses from high-strength frames to final assembly. In 2015, New Flyer invested USD $20 million to transform the campus into a world-class LEAN manufacturing facility capable of producing New Flyer's Xcelsior® heavy-duty bus platform. The 2017-2018 expansion will add approximately 76,000 square feet, increasing Anniston campus space to nearly 380,000 square feet.
The Company has over 50 years of experience in manufacturing zero-emission buses (ZEBs); has 24 fabrication, manufacturing, distribution, and service centers across Canada and the U.S.; and employs more American workers than any other transit bus manufacturer in North America.
About The Company
The Company is the largest transit bus and motor coach manufacturer and parts distributor in North America with fabrication, manufacturing, distribution and service centers across America. It employs approximately 5,400 team members.
The Company is North America's heavy-duty transit bus leader and offers the broadest transit bus product line under the brand Xcelsior®, incorporating the broadest range of drive systems available, including: clean diesel, natural gas, diesel-electric hybrid, trolley-electric, and battery-electric. New Flyer actively supports over 44,000 heavy-duty transit buses (New Flyer, NABI, and Orion) currently in service, of which 6,400 are powered by electric and battery propulsion.
The Company is also North America's motor coach market leader offering the Motor Coach Industries (MCI) J-Series, the industry's best-selling intercity coach for 11 consecutive years, and the MCI D-Series, the industry's best-selling motor coach line in North American history. MCI is also the exclusive distributor of Daimler's Setra S 417 and S 407 motor coaches in the United States and Canada. MCI actively supports over 28,000 coaches currently in service.
The Company operates North America's most comprehensive aftermarket parts organization providing support for all types of transit buses and motor coaches. All buses and coaches are supported by an industry-leading comprehensive warranty, service, and support network.
Further information is available on the Company's websites at www.newflyer.com and www.mcicoach.com. The common shares of the Company are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NFI.
SOURCE New Flyer Industries Inc.
Jon Koffman, Investor Relations, Ph: 320-316-4964
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