GLENDALE, Ariz. — School bus sales and service authority Canyon State Bus Sales opened the doors to a new facility on April 20th with a ribbon-cutting attended by Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers and other local dignitaries.
The 27,500-square-foot facility was developed from the ground up by Canyon State and allows the company to increase its staff by 15 percent immediately. This first building owned by the company is 60 percent larger than the company’s previous headquarters in Phoenix. The move to Glendale is a milestone for Canyon State, which has seen rising interest in its propane autogas fueled buses. “This new location offers us efficiencies and growth opportunities to better serve our customers, particularly with the significant increase of propane buses that we’ve sold in the past three years,” said Phil Polizzatto, president of Canyon State, an exclusive Blue Bird dealer.
Last month the company supplied Kyrene School District in Tempe with 73 Blue Bird Vision Propane buses. Adding propane autogas fueled buses allows Arizona’s school districts to operate quieter buses that are more comfortable for drivers and students, and that significantly reduce harmful emissions to improve community air quality.
Started in 2004, Canyon State has expanded to become the largest provider of student transportation in the state of Arizona. As part of the move to the new facility, Canyon State hired six additional employees and will continue to increase its staff. The new facility will also allow the company to expand into other areas of transportation, such as shuttle and commercial buses.
“It continues to be an exciting time at Blue Bird with new product announcements and significant growth. Today our valued dealer, Canyon States, opens a new facility to support that growth and to provide the best customer experience in the market,” said John Kwapis, chief operating officer, Blue Bird Corporation, speaking at the opening ceremony. Steve Girardin, president of Micro Bird, also attended the ceremony.
“One of my favorite sayings is ‘here we grow again’ and I’m so pleased to utilize that statement for this business, in particular because of the people involved in making it happen,” said Glendale Mayor Weiers. “I want to thank Phil Polizzatto and his entire team at Canyon State Bus Sales for moving their business to Glendale. I specifically mentioned this business in my recent “State of the City Address” because, as a former business owner, I understand what goes into these decisions, as well as the incredible impact it has on a community. On behalf of our city, I welcome Canyon State Bus, an award-winning business that is clearly best-in-class, and wish them all the success in the world.”
About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird is the leading independent designer and manufacturer of school buses, with more than 550,000 buses sold since its formation in 1927 and approximately 180,000 buses in operation today. Blue Bird’s longevity and reputation in the school bus industry have made it an iconic American brand. Blue Bird distinguishes itself from its principal competitors by its singular focus on the design, engineering, manufacture and sale of school buses and related parts. As the only manufacturer of chassis and body production specifically designed for school bus applications, Blue Bird is recognized as an industry leader for school bus innovation, safety, product quality/reliability/durability, operating costs and drivability. In addition, Blue Bird is the market leader in alternative fuel applications with its propane-powered and compressed natural gas-powered school buses. Blue Bird manufactures school buses at two facilities in Fort Valley, Georgia. Its Micro Bird joint venture operates a manufacturing facility in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada. Service and after-market parts are distributed from Blue Bird’s parts distribution center located in Delaware, Ohio.
About Canyon State Bus Sales
A full-service dealership and parts specialist, Canyon State Bus Sales is the factory-authorized Blue Bird and Micro Bird school and activity bus dealer for the state of Arizona. Canyon State is proud to offer unmatched product quality and support after the sale for student transportation needs. Located in Glendale, Arizona, Canyon State is built on a culture of quality, honesty and integrity. Learn more at canyonstatebus.com.
