New Flyer Industries Inc. announced that it has acquired Carlson Engineered Composites Inc. and the assets of its U.S.-affiliated companies, a privately-owned composites company, headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba for $13 million, subject to certain normal and customary purchase price adjustments.
Carlson manufactures fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) components primarily to original equipment manufacturers of transportation vehicles and agricultural equipment, with 2016 sales exceeding $38 million. Carlson currently employs over 300 people at three production facilities totaling 235,000 square feet and located in Winnipeg, MB; St Cloud, Minn. and Anniston, Ala.
Carlson’s business began in 1985 with industrial and custom part fabrication, from which evolved a line of fibre-glass reinforced plastic (FRP) water and sewage tank manufacturing. The business later expanded with the introduction of a line of truck caps and other recreational vehicle parts. Carlson then became involved in the development and supply of FRP parts and sub-assemblies to the transportation industry.
“The acquisition of Carlson will allow us to control of one of the more critical commodities in our manufacturing supply chain”, said David White, New Flyer Group’s executive VP, Supply Management. “As we think about the businesses of Carlson and Frank Fair Industries Ltd., the Winnipeg FRP business owned by Motor Coach Industries Limited since 1991, we can explore sharing best practices in composite part manufacturing, optimizing processes, and pursuing new technologies.”
White further explained, “This acquisition follows on the very successful repatriation and in-sourcing of various metal part fabrication, machining and painting operations across the company to control quality, improve delivery performance and reduce costs for our bus manufacturing operations. Carlson’s U.S. facilities will also contribute to the company complying with the increasing U.S. content requirements under increased Buy America regulations resulting from the 2015 FAST Act for the purchase of transit buses and motor coaches by U.S. federally-funded transit agencies.”
Funded through the 2025 Investment Plan, the new R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus is expected to begin service in September, more than three months ahead of schedule.
Complete Parts features new branding with a new logo, a new contact telephone number, a dedicated order desk, enhanced processes and inventory, all designed to provide the parts bus operations need.
Accessible transit isn’t a feature—it’s a responsibility. This whitepaper explores how the Low-Floor Frontrunner is redefining mobility with a breakthrough design that removes barriers, empowers riders, and delivers measurable operational advantages for agencies. Discover why this next generation minibus is setting a new standard for inclusive transportation.
SEPTA was awarded $43 million in competitive grant funding from the FTA's FY25 Low and No Emission and Bus and Bus Facilities grant programs to support this procurement.
In part 1 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his journey from the U.S. Marines to public transit and the role mentorship plays in developing the next generation of industry leaders.
When construction is complete, battery-electric buses will operate from the Arborway facility on Day One, providing cleaner, quieter, and more reliable service for riders, the MBTA said. After completion, the old facility will be demolished, and the land will be made available for redevelopment.
Nadine S. Lee, who has served as president/CEO since July 2021, said the decision comes after careful reflection on the agency’s progress and its path forward.
In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.
