Micro Bird To Manufacture Small And Midsize Buses In Plattsburgh, NY

Micro Bird, a joint venture between Blue Bird Corporation and Girardin, will be expanding its manufacturing operations in Plattsburgh, NY. The company has confirmed the purchase of the Nova Bus facility on Banker Road, 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.

“This investment is part of a growth strategy to double production capacity and better meet the sustained and growing demand for Micro Bird products, which are known for their superior quality, durability and value,” according to a press release. “This will also provide a considerable growth opportunity for the Blue Bird brand and its well established and reputable North American dealer network.”

Micro Bird President and CEO Eric Boulé said, “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. 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.”

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

The release added: “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. 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.”

A joint venture between Girardin and Blue Bird, Micro Bird specializes in the design, assembly and distribution of school and commercial buses, as well as electric motors, through its subsidiary Ecotuned Technologies. Headquartered in Drummondville, Quebec, the company employs over 600 people. Manufacturing over 3,000 buses per year from its Drummondville plant, Micro Bird is the largest bus manufacturer in Canada and an established and respected leader across North America. For more information, visit microbird.com.