New Flyer investing $25M in Anniston, Ala. production facility
The investment will add fabrication equipment that enhances component manufacturing, streamlines the weld process, expands the operational footprint, and adds capacity and an innovation center for zero-emission bus production.
New Flyer of America Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of New Flyer Industries Inc., will invest $25 million in major building renovations and expansions at its Anniston, Ala., production campus.
The investment builds on New Flyer of America’s commitment to American infrastructure, manufacturing, innovation, and jobs. It adds fabrication equipment that enhances component manufacturing, streamlines the weld process, expands the operational footprint, and adds capacity and an innovation center for zero-emission bus production.
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“We are extremely fortunate to have both local and state cooperation and support for this project — a true partnership,” said Wayne Joseph, president of New Flyer of America. “This investment in process efficiency, operational capacity, and technological development further elevates Anniston as a leading manufacturing site for zero-emission vehicles, and invests in jobs and infrastructure in Alabama.”
The New Flyer Anniston campus (formerly North American Bus Industries), which was acquired by New Flyer in 2013, consists of five buildings that manufactures transit buses from part fabrication, to high-strength frame welding, to final assembly. In 2015, New Flyer invested $20 million to transform the campus to a world-class LEAN manufacturing site capable of producing New Flyer’s Xcelsior® heavy-duty bus platform.
“This investment not only enhances our technical capabilities, but also provides advanced air quality measures to provide the safest possible work environment for our team members,” explained Kevin Wood, sr. VP, manufacturing. “We are proud to invest in the development of innovative, industry-leading manufacturing and work environments.”
The company has over 50 years of experience in manufacturing zero-emission buses and has 24 fabrication, manufacturing, distribution, and service centers. It employs more American workers than any other bus manufacturer in North America.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.
The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
