The agreement will ensure the availability of OEM approved parts to support MV’s customers at over 200 locations across North America.
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.
President/CEO Paul Soubry discusses revamping NABI’s Anniston, Ala. plant, the company’s focus on using multiple propulsion systems and the future of green technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells.
The company will phase out production of its North American Bus Industry LFW and BRT models.
The new Foothill Transit vehicles will be outfitted with what is being called the “new standard” — high-backed, reclining seats, adjustable reading lights, ample overhead parcel racks and new exterior livery.
NABI Bus, a division of New Flyer Industries Inc. and a major employer in northeastern Alabama, is on track to make and assemble about 600 heavy-duty transit buses this year for several transit agencies. More than 700 skilled workers make and assemble hundreds of transit buses deployed in communities nationwide.
Following the acquisition of Orion Parts and North American Bus Industries as well as the introduction of the new MiDi™ bus, the company’s president/CEO says it is poised to build and maintain its stature in the industry.
The contract contains a firm order for 85 BRT-styled diesel-electric hybrid 42-foot buses and options of up to 498 42-foot BRT-styled diesel-electric hybrid or CNG buses, and up to 71 (142 EUs) 60-foot diesel-electric hybrid buses over a five-year contract period.
The transaction presents a number of opportunities for New Flyer, including an enhanced transit bus product offering with the addition of NABI’s Low Floor and BRT product platforms, and an expanded parts business with improved offering and customer support.
Company’s previous two-step business approach, with heavy manufacturing relegated to its plants in Hungary, and with final assembly accomplished at its Anniston, Ala., has now been entirely discontinued.