FENTON, Mo. — Central States Bus Sales, Blue Bird’s bus dealership representing the entire state of Missouri and four other states in the midwest, has moved its Missouri branch and corporate headquarters to a new location in Fenton, Missouri, which features significant upgrades.
The new facility is 30,200 square feet, located on 8 acres of land, with additional acreage ready for future expansions. The facility also features a 15,000 square foot service bay area, with 14 bays, including a paint booth and specialized bays that are dedicated to servicing vehicles that are powered by CNG. In addition to these facility upgrades, the new building also contains a 5,500 square foot parts area, with high-density storage capabilities.
“We recognize the increasing customer need for a high quality bus service and parts center, which is why we have invested in the new facility with all of its unique attributes, to better serve our customers,” says Central States CEO Jeff Reitz. “Additionally, we now have the ability to expand parking, in order to accommodate more buses as business grows.”
At their facilities’ grand opening, Mark Terry, Blue Bird’s chief commercial officer, noted the impressiveness of the dealership. “Central States Bus Sales has created a distinctive facility that will not only service (its) current customers, but also has the ability to service CNG buses. This is a rare option at service centers, and will translate into rewarding relationships with customers in Missouri.”
Central States Bus Sales of Missouri sells, services and provides, technical support and parts for Blue Bird buses. Central has full service locations in four other states, including Tennessee, Illinois, Kentucky and Arkansas. The new Missouri location and corporate headquarters are located at 1200 Sugar Creek Square in Fenton, Missouri, and is now open.
About Blue Bird Corp.
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 that is 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, Que. Canada. Service and after-market parts are distributed from Blue Bird’s parts distribution center located in Delaware, Ohio. www.blue-bird.com
About Central States Bus Sales
Central States Bus Sales, Inc., is the official Blue Bird bus dealership in Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Kentucky and Arkansas. Central States Bus Sales began in 1975 as a school bus sales distributorship named Rustman Bus Sales representing the Blue Bird Body Corp. for northeastern Missouri. The company grew extensively, and in 1982, was awarded recognition from Inc. Magazine as the 50th fastest growing privately-held company in the U.S. Today, Central States Bus Sales operates out of their headquarters facility in Fenton, Missouri. Central States Bus Sales has partnered with many of the best manufacturers and vendors available in the transportation industry to provide dedicated transportation solutions through exceptional service. www.centralstatesbus.com
