$25 million
expansion delivers on Company's commitment to U.S. infrastructure,
innovation and jobs
ST. CLOUD, MN, Sept. 15, 2017 /CNW/ - (TSX: NFI) New Flyer
of America Inc. ("New Flyer"), the U.S. subsidiary of New Flyer
Industries Inc. (the "Company"), the largest transit bus and motor
coach manufacturer and parts distributor in North America, today broke ground on a USD
$25 million building renovation and
expansion project in Anniston,
Alabama. The 36 acre, five building campus will feature a
new Vehicle Innovation Center ("VIC"), North America's first innovation lab dedicated
to the advancement of bus and coach technology. The VIC will be led
in partnership with Motor Coach Industries Inc. ("MCI"), another
U.S. subsidiary of the Company, and delivers on the Company's
commitment to improving U.S. jobs, infrastructure, manufacturing,
and innovation.
![Groundbreaking with gold shovels at NFA Anniston, Alabama (CNW Group/New Flyer Industries Inc.) Groundbreaking with gold shovels at NFA Anniston, Alabama (CNW Group/New Flyer Industries Inc.)](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/556970/New_Flyer_Industries_Inc__New_Flyer_of_America_Breaks_Ground__An.jpg)
"Repairing infrastructure through advanced technology is
paramount to America's competitiveness, safety and prosperity.
Through New Flyer's investment in advanced engineering and
manufacturing, we have the potential to dramatically transform the
future of public transportation in the U.S.," said Wayne Joseph, President of New Flyer of America.
"We are proud to power sustainable new technologies, collaborations
for smart cities and opportunities to connect people to
places."
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey was in attendance to commemorate the
groundbreaking, as part of her Listen, Learn, Help, and Lead Tour
to assess community needs through roundtable discussions with local
government and business leaders. New Flyer's investment in the
expansion was supported by the City of
Anniston, State of Alabama,
and Alabama Power ("Southern Company").
"New Flyer's increased presence in Alabama will bolster the economy and serve as
a proving ground for U.S. advanced technology," Governor Ivey said.
"This project will benefit our people, our communities, and the
world around us, while reinforcing the message that Alabama is open for business."
Establishment of the VIC also includes development of an
advisory group comprised of industry leaders. The VIC will formally
open in October 2017, with the
expansion expected to be completed by June
2018. Through ongoing delivery of interactive experiences
and collaboration with industry leaders, the VIC will feature a
world-class manufacturing lab, exhibit space, and training areas
to:
- Explore and advance bus and coach technology through
sustainable research and development, fresh innovation, progressive
manufacturing, and bold thinking;
- Foster dialogue through discussion, education, and training on
the latest zero-emission and autonomous driving vehicle
technologies;
- Engage learning through current and interactive exhibits,
simulation and hands-on experiences, and observations;
- Generate energy and commitment to clean air quality, safety,
and economic benefits for people, communities, and business;
and
- Harness the positive influence of collaboration, environmental
stewardship, and social change to advance mobility solutions.
"We are proud to join forces with New Flyer of America in
bringing the Vehicle Innovation Center to life," said Ian Smart, President of Motor Coach Industries.
"By leveraging our strengths, we will amplify our industry-leading
development of bus and coach technologies, and we look forward to
driving American innovation forward with sustainable electric and
autonomous solutions."
Development of the VIC is supported by New Flyer and MCI
partners, each contributing interactive learning experiences that
highlight New Flyer's electric and autonomous vehicle technologies.
Partners confirmed to date include: Siemens, ABB, A123 Systems,
XALT Energy, Parker / Vansco, Valeo (Spheros), Vapor Bus
International (WABTEC), Powerex Inc., Ballard Power Systems,
Hydrogenics, ChargePoint, Thermo
King, EMP, Center for Transportation and the Environment,
CALSTART, and Alabama Power. Elements of the VIC will be on display
October 9-11 at the tri-annual APTA
Expo in Atlanta, Georgia.
"New Flyer of America is proud to expand our leadership role in
evolving public transportation with buses engineered and built
right here in Alabama. We look
forward to making a positive impact on the community through
innovative technology and job creation, and sincerely appreciate
the support from local and state officials in Alabama, specifically Governor Ivey, Mayor
Draper and City Manager Salley, Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield, and Alabama Power," said
Joseph.
The Anniston, Alabama campus,
acquired by New Flyer of America in 2013, manufactures complete
transit buses from high-strength frames to final assembly. In 2015,
New Flyer invested USD $20 million to
transform the campus into a world-class LEAN manufacturing facility
capable of producing New Flyer's Xcelsior® heavy-duty
bus platform. The 2017-2018 expansion will add approximately 76,000
square feet, increasing Anniston
campus space to nearly 380,000 square feet.
The Company has over 50 years of experience in manufacturing
zero-emission buses (ZEBs); has 24 fabrication, manufacturing,
distribution, and service centers across Canada and the U.S.; and employs more American
workers than any other transit bus manufacturer in North America.
About The Company
The Company is the largest transit bus and motor coach
manufacturer and parts distributor in North America with fabrication, manufacturing,
distribution and service centers across America. It employs
approximately 5,400 team members.
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, trolley-electric, and
battery-electric. New Flyer actively supports over 44,000
heavy-duty transit buses (New Flyer, NABI, and Orion) currently in
service, of which 6,400 are powered by electric and battery
propulsion.
The Company is also North
America's motor coach market leader offering the Motor Coach
Industries (MCI) J-Series, the industry's best-selling intercity
coach for 11 consecutive years, and the MCI D-Series, the
industry's best-selling motor coach line in North American history.
MCI is also the exclusive distributor of Daimler's Setra S 417 and
S 407 motor coaches in the United
States and Canada. MCI
actively supports over 28,000 coaches currently in service.
The Company 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 of the
Company are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol
NFI.
SOURCE New Flyer Industries Inc.