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Blue Bird Corporation has been awarded an $80 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to enhance its electric vehicle manufacturing and workforce development. The funding is part of a larger $2 billion investment aimed at transforming automotive facilities to support electric vehicle production and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Key Highlights:
- Grant Amount: $80 million from the DOE.
- Project Scope: Convert a previous manufacturing site in Fort Valley, GA into a state-of-the-art electric vehicle facility.
- Facility Size: Approximately 600,000 square feet.
- Job Creation: Over 400 new manufacturing jobs.
- Partnership: Includes supply chain partner Cummins.
The grant is part of the Domestic Automotive Manufacturing Conversion Grants program administered by the DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC). This program aims to revitalize long-standing automotive facilities, retain and expand manufacturing jobs, and bolster domestic supply chains. Blue Bird’s $80 million grant represents half of the total $160 million investment needed for the project. The conversion will transform a former diesel-powered motorhome manufacturing site into a modern electric vehicle production facility.
Phil Horlock, CEO of Blue Bird Corporation, expressed enthusiasm for the project: “The grant will enable Blue Bird to reinvest in middle Georgia, building on a site that previously manufactured high-end motorhomes. It will also enable Blue Bird to expand its workforce and invest in a community that is integral to Blue Bird’s history and continued success. We are looking forward to fully participating in the next phase of the negotiation process with the DOE.”
The new facility will significantly increase the production of Type-D electric school buses, meeting the rising demand for clean student transportation. This shift supports the creation of good-paying manufacturing jobs and contributes to the sustainability of the automotive industry in the U.S.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm highlighted the importance of such investments: “Even as our competitors invest heavily in electric vehicles, these grants ensure that our automotive industry stays competitive—and does it in the communities and with the workforce that have supported the auto industry for generations.”
About Blue Bird Corporation
Founded in 1927, Blue Bird Corporation (NASDAQ: BLBD) is a leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of school buses. The company is renowned for its commitment to safety, reliability, and durability. Blue Bird is at the forefront of clean energy solutions with over 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses in operation. The company’s focus on zero-emission vehicles is transforming the student transportation industry. For more information, visit www.blue-bird.com.
By expanding its electric vehicle manufacturing capabilities, Blue Bird Corporation is playing a critical role in advancing clean energy transportation and supporting the U.S. economy through job creation and technological innovation.
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