Micro Bird, a joint venture between Blue Bird Corporation and Girardin, will be expanding its manufacturing operations in Plattsburgh, N.Y.

The company confirmed the purchase of the Nova Bus facility, where it plans to build both electric and non-electric versions of its current bus products. 

Nova Bus is set to cease operations in Plattsburgh next year. 

Plans to Double Production

The investment is part of a growth strategy to double production capacity and better meet the sustained and growing demand for its products. It will also provide a considerable growth opportunity for the Blue Bird brand and its well established and reputable North American dealer network.

''We are very excited to begin this new chapter by expanding our operations in Plattsburgh, and by creating high quality job opportunities for our future colleagues,” said Eric Boulé, Micro Bird's president and CEO. “This investment confirms Micro Bird's position as a leading manufacturer in the North American bus industry. We are also grateful for the strong cooperation and support from the Nova Bus leadership team and representatives from the state of New York, Clinton County, and the Town of Plattsburgh.'' 

Creating Jobs

Micro Bird's investment in capital expenditure and training will create more than 350 full-time jobs over the next several years. 

The project is supported by the Empire State Development, with nearly $10 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits and a $2.5 million capital grant from the North Country Regional Economic Development Council. 

''When Nova Bus announced they would cease operations at their Plattsburgh facility, I immediately contacted company leadership and strongly advocated for solutions that would capitalize on the current workforce and existing supply chain,'' said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said. ''Today, I am proud to welcome Micro Bird — which we recruited to the North Country — where they can take advantage of our top talent, a thriving transportation cluster and the major investments we have made across the region. New York's manufacturing sector is in the midst of a major renaissance and is a major driver of our economy — I look forward to a long a successful future for Micro Bird in New York State.”

Micro Bird will progressively be hiring the skilled and experienced employees currently working at Nova Bus Plattsburgh, building on the culture of excellence put in place by Nova Bus, according to Micro Bird officials. 

A close collaboration with Nova Bus has been established to ensure a seamless transition. 

Site preparation will begin in January, including hiring of employees.

Start of production is scheduled for the Summer of 2025.