FORT VALLEY, Ga. (Aug. 1, 2008) – Blue Bird announced today plans to open a new fabrication facility in Fort Valley.

“Blue Bird has been a key presence in Georgia for decades,” said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Georgia is a great place for manufacturers to grow, with our well-trained workforce and strong transportation network.”

Blue Bird, based in Fort Valley for over 80 years, will locate its new fabrication facility in the former Dan River building in Fort Valley. The company plans to improve the 334,000-square-foot building, with an expected production date of January 2009.

The facility will also be utilized to warehouse fabricated parts and other school bus body and chassis parts. Examples of fabricated parts include headliners and inside side metals, rub-rails and bows used in the assembly of school bus bodies. In addition, the Fabrication Department will recycle on average over 1,000 pieces a day of scrap steel.

Georgia Quick Start and Middle Georgia Technical College will collaborate on a training program for new hires.

“We are excited that one of our long-standing existing industries, Blue Bird, has decided to expand here in Peach County,” said James Khoury, Peach County Commission Chairman. “Their growth will have a great impact on our community, and we’re glad to do our part to assist.”

Ryan Waldrep, project manager with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, assisted Blue Bird in its expansion.