WINNIPEG, May 10, 2017 /CNW/ - (TSX: NFI) (TSX:
NFI.DB.U) New Flyer Industries Inc. ("New Flyer" or the
"Company"), the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in
Canada and the United States and Alexander Dennis Limited
("Alexander Dennis"), the United
Kingdom's largest manufacturer of transit buses,
double-decker buses and motor coaches, announced today that the
manufacture of the 30-foot and 35-foot medium duty bus will
transition in the fourth quarter of 2017 from New Flyer's
St. Cloud, Minnesota plant to
Alexander Dennis's new facility in Nappanee, Indiana.
In 2012, New Flyer and Alexander Dennis entered into a joint
venture to collaborate and introduce a medium-duty low-floor bus in
North America. Since 2014, 200 Buy
America compliant MiDi® buses have been deployed in
community shuttle service, and to corporate campuses and
universities throughout North
America.
"We were very pleased to collaborate with Alexander Dennis to
launch the MiDi® in North
America, having delivered buses to 22 operators in
Canada and US," said Wayne Joseph, President, Transit Bus
Business. "The decision to terminate the joint venture and
transition the product to Alexander Dennis was a mutual one,
allowing New Flyer to expand the production capacity of
St. Cloud, Minnesota facility for
our industry leading Xcelsior heavy-duty transit bus, and Alexander
Dennis to combine manufacturing of the bus with their double-deck
Enviro500 series bus in Nappanee,
Indiana."
Alexander Dennis is a leader in the manufacture of durable and
reliable midi buses, having delivered over 16,000 vehicles of this
class globally, as well as being the world's largest double-deck
bus manufacturer. The company has a strong and well-established
North American presence dating back to 2004 when Alexander Dennis
Inc ("ADI") was formed.
Colin Robertson, Chief Executive
at Alexander Dennis commented, "We have enjoyed a strong and
supportive relationship with New Flyer since the very start of our
joint venture. It has been a privilege to partner with such a
respected player in the North American market and after this
promising start, now is the right time for us to take full
ownership of this product. We are looking forward to this new
chapter and to bringing the product to our own manufacturing
facility in Nappanee."
With the termination of the joint venture, the manufacture,
sales, marketing and aftermarket parts sales for this bus will be
transitioned to ADI with the full support of New Flyer. New
Flyer has recently completed manufacturing for all firm orders, and
will continue to support all commitments made to existing
MiDi® customers for care and product support.
About New Flyer
The Company is the largest transit bus and motor coach
manufacturer and parts distributor in North America with fabrication, manufacturing,
distribution and service centers in Canada and the
United States and employs approximately 5,000 team
members.
Through its Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries, New Flyer Industries
Canada ULC and New Flyer of America Inc., the Company is
North America's heavy-duty transit
bus leader and offers the broadest transit bus product line under
the brand Xcelsior® incorporating the broadest range of
drive systems available, including: clean diesel, natural gas,
diesel-electric hybrid, electric-trolley and now battery-electric.
New Flyer actively supports over 44,000 heavy-duty transit buses
(New Flyer, NABI and Orion) currently in service.
Through its Canadian and U.S. subsidiaries, Motor Coach
Industries Limited and Motor Coach Industries, Inc., the Company is
North America's leader in motor
coaches, offering the MCI J4500,which is the industry's
best-selling intercity coach for 11 consecutive years, and the MCI
D-Series, the industry`s best-selling coach line in North American
motor coach history. MCI is also the exclusive distributor of Setra
S417 and S407 in the United States
and Canada. MCI actively supports
over 28,000 motor coaches currently in service and offers 24-hour
roadside assistance 365 days a year.
The Company also operates North
America's most comprehensive aftermarket parts organization
providing support for all types of transit buses and motor coaches.
All buses and coaches are supported by an industry-leading
comprehensive warranty, service and support network.
Further information is available on the Company's websites at
www.newflyer.com and www.mcicoach.com.The common shares and
convertible unsecured subordinated debentures of the Company are
traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols NFI and
NFI.DB.U, respectively.
About Alexander Dennis
Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) is one of the world's leading bus
and coach manufacturers, with a history and heritage of design,
engineering and manufacturing excellence that spans more than a
century and facilities in UK, Europe, Hong
Kong, Singapore,
Malaysia, New Zealand and North America.
ADL tripled its turnover to more than USD
775 million (£600m) in 2016, with up to 50% of its revenue
coming from international markets. This growth is attributable to a
clear strategic focus on delivering lightweight, fuel efficient
vehicles with industry-leading reliability, lowest cost of
ownership and best-in-class aftermarket support.
ADL's North American division dates back to 2004 when Alexander
Dennis Inc (ADI) was established. Alexander Dennis Canada
Inc. (ADCI) and Alexander Dennis Mexico, S.A. de CV (ADMX), formed
in 2013 and 2016 respectively, complete the company's growing North
American presence.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements
relating to expected future events and financial and operating
results of the Company that involve risks and uncertainties.
Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press
release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable
assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will
be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the
differences may be material. Actual results may differ materially
from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking
statements for a variety of reasons, including those risks and
uncertainties discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian
securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com. Due to the potential impact of these factors,
the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or
revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, unless required by
applicable law."
SOURCE New Flyer Industries Inc.