FORT VALLEY, Ga., –Blue Bird Corporation’s school bus production and demand has substantially increased due to market share growth and greater industry demand over the last four years.
As a leading bus manufacturer, the company has experienced growth in all vehicle segments and has expanded its alternative-fuel leadership position, led by the class-leading Propane Vision bus. Propane is the fastest growing alternative fuel in the school bus industry. As a result, the company’s employment numbers top over 1,600 employees — a 44 percent increase from 2010. This number includes a geographically diverse workforce with employees from over 45 Georgia counties. Equally impressive is employee retention, with average employee tenure of 16 years.
Governor Nathan Deal recently visited Blue Bird and toured the manufacturing line, meeting with employees and learning more about the company’s products and growth. The Governor also inspected six new custom-engineered buses for the Georgia Department of Corrections.
“Our manufacturing sector is booming, and it is because of companies like this one that our state can claim such success,” said Governor Nathan Deal. “This Georgia-based business employs more than 1,600 citizens statewide and supports other local businesses and charities. I am thankful for its commitment to Georgia citizens, our communities and the economic vitality of our state.”
“Blue Bird’s impressive growth has had a tremendous impact on Peach County, Central Georgia and the state of Georgia,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird. “The company’s growth is a direct reflection of Blue Bird’s commitment to engineering and building industry-leading buses that our customers value. We are proud of Blue Bird’s sustained success and are committed to growing the company and providing more employment opportunities for the citizens of Georgia.”
Blue Bird is the second largest automotive manufacturer in the state of Georgia and the largest manufacturing employer in Central Georgia. Established in 1927, Blue Bird’s headquarters has proudly remained in Fort Valley, Georgia, where it is the city and county’s largest employer. The company’s Fort Valley footprint includes two production facilities with over one million square feet of manufacturing and fabrication space.
For more information on Blue Bird’s complete line of buses, visit your local Blue Bird Dealer or www.blue-bird.com.
Photos available upon request.
About Blue Bird
Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For more than 85 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, Blue Bird provides comprehensive financial solutions through Blue Bird Capital Services. Today, Blue Bird has more than 1,600 employees, Georgia-based manufacturing facilities, an extensive network of dealers, parts and service facilities throughout North America. Its global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit the Blue Bird Corporation web site at www.blue-bird.com
