GILLIG Launches Engineering Center, Subsidiary Acquires Select Lightning Assets
With this acquisition, GILLIG aims to expand its electric powertrain engineering capacity as the demand for zero-emission transit solutions continues to increase.

In line with this expansion of GILLIG's existing expertise and engineering capacity, the Lightning acquisition marks the launch of the company's new Colorado Technology Center.
Photo: GILLIG
GILLIG announced GERCO LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, acquired select assets from Lightning eMotors and Lightning Systems through a receivership sale and has hired a number of former engineering employees of Lightning.
In line with this expansion of GILLIG's existing expertise and engineering capacity, the acquisition will also mark the launch of the company's new Colorado Technology Center, which will serve as an engineering hub for the company.
Folding in Lightning’s Expertise
Based in Loveland, Colo., Lightning specialized in repowering commercial vehicles and developing electric powertrains and analytics capabilities. GERCO was selected as the purchaser from a court appointed receiver, and the acquisition of assets was approved by the court.
Lightning discontinued its business operations prior to GERCO’s purchase, including the sale and servicing of commercial vehicles.
Lightning’s business operations were not acquired and will not be resumed by GERCO or GILLIG. With this acquisition, GILLIG aims to expand its electric powertrain engineering capacity as the demand for zero-emission transit solutions continues to increase.
"This exciting acquisition focuses on a talented team of former Lightning employees and the tools they need to support GILLIG’s roadmap," said Derek Maunus, GILLIG’s president and CEO. “This acquisition allows us greater engineering capacity to integrate quickly evolving zero-emission technologies. As we look to the future generations of GILLIG's celebrated Battery Electric bus, these additional engineering and technological resources will accelerate GILLIG's leadership in zero-emission buses by increasing our powertrain expertise, forging even greater capacity to innovate and execute with excellence."
More Technology

Laketran Cuts Fuel Costs, Boosts Efficiency with Propane-Powered Fleet
The Ohio transit agency is using propane-powered vehicles and on-site fueling infrastructure to cut fuel and maintenance costs while meeting growing demand for paratransit services.
Read More →
Right-Sizing Rural Transit: Lessons from North Grenville’s On-Demand Model
A small municipality shows how flexible service, rider needs, and public accountability can expand mobility with limited resources.
Read More →
Transit Expands Agency Partnerships, Reaching 200 Official App Partners
COO Jake Sion discusses Transit’s growth, the success of its Transit Royale program, and how technology is helping agencies improve the rider experience.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Ballard, Solaris Partner, New Flyer Receives Florida Order, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we also take a look at recent news from New Flyer, STV, Spare, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
Hampton Jitney Microgrid Offers a Roadmap for Fleet Electrification
Sprocket Power’s on-site energy system is designed to manage charging costs, reduce pressure on the electric grid, and prepare the Long Island transportation provider for expanded electric fleet operations.
Read More →
ETA CEO John Maglio on Transit Technology, Innovation, and Building Agency Trust
ETA founder and CEO John Maglio explores the evolution of transit technology, the importance of reliable systems, and how stronger partnerships can help agencies improve operations and the passenger experience.
Read More →
Lextran, Via Team for On Demand, HDR to Work on Twin Cities BRT, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we also take a look at recent news from Keolis, Complete Coach Works, Anchor Transportation, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth
The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.
Read More →
Video Surveillance in Public Transit: What Riders Really Think
As video surveillance gains public acceptance, new research from Axis Communications reveals what transit riders expect from agencies when it comes to safety, privacy, and AI.
Read More →
New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project
Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.
Read More →