HICKORY, N.C. — HSM Transportation Solutions, a division of HSM, announced a major multiphase, multiyear expansion of the C.E. White facilities in Fort Valley, Ga. Headquartered in Hickory, N.C., HSM is a global manufacturer of integrated solutions and highly engineered product components for furniture, bedding and transportation industries.
C.E. White has been a major supply partner to Blue Bird Corp. of Fort Valley, Ga. for over 30 years. “Blue Bird is a fantastic organization to be associated with,” said Tony Everett, president of HSM Transportation and Specialty Manufacturing. “This is a great example of two companies working together for continuous improvement.”
HSM Board Member Steve Underdown stated, “This multimillion-dollar expansion will result in significant job growth for the region over the next few years. It is truly an exciting project for HSM, Blue Bird and the Fort Valley community.
Mark Terry, Blue Bird’s chief commercial officer, looks forward to the extension of the existing partnership with HSM and Blue Bird Corp.: “As a trusted partner, we are delighted to welcome HSM to Fort Valley, and look forward to growing our businesses together for many years to come.”
HSM Transportation’s expansion plans include adding foam fabrication, welding and paint operations to the existing processes at Blue Bird’s manufacturing plant in Fort Valley, Ga.
About HSM
One of North Carolina’s largest employers, HSM is a privately held company that brings together approximately 2,500 employees in more than 50 manufacturing plants in 17 states and Canada to serve a wide array of diverse customers and markets. Based in Hickory, the company has expanded its global presence and moved beyond core furniture and bedding markets to embrace new growth opportunities in transportation, healthcare, packaging and government sectors. www.hsmsolutions.com
About Blue Bird Corp.
Celebrating its 90th year in business, Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) 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, Ga. 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 in Delaware, Ohio. www.blue-bird.com
