KANKAKEE, Ill. — Midwest Transit Equipment, a 41-year-old school and commercial bus distributor that is based in Kankakee, Ill, announced it has sold the stock of its company to John McKinney. He is the former president of Navistar’s Global Bus division and an investment group led by Brightwater Partners of Wheaton, Ill.
The company will remain as Midwest Transit Equipment and the former principal owners, Jim Bridgewater, Jr. and Barry Huebner, will remain intimately involved in the day-to-day operations of the business for the foreseeable future to ensure a smooth transition to the new ownership.
Midwest Transit Equipment (MTE) is one the largest bus distributors in the U.S., with operating locations in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas and Missouri. The company is the largest distributor for IC Bus, a subsidiary of Navistar, as well as Collins School Bus, Starcraft School and Commercial Bus, Eldorado Bus, Elkhart Coach, Braun Corp., Berkshire Coach and MV1.
Trish Reed, VP/GM for Navistar’s IC Bus division said, “IC Bus is extremely excited that a group led by John McKinney is ensuring strong leadership continuity with a critical component of our distribution network. We are further excited that Barry Huebner and Jim Bridgewater, Jr. will stay very much involved with the operation of the company resulting in what we believe will be a formidable leadership team.”
John McKinney stated, “I have known Barry and Jim for years and feel honored and humbled that they have provided me with the opportunity to work alongside of them and build on the legacy of trusted partnerships that first Jim Bridgewater, Sr., and then Barry and Jim have carefully developed over the years.” www.midwesttransit.com
