Blue Bird Employment Rises; Bus, Vehicle Demand Increases

Blue Bird Corp. (Fort Valley, Ga.) reports that its school bus production and demand have substantially increased due to market share growth and greater industry demand over the last four years. As a leading bus manufacturer, the company has experienced growth in all vehicle segments and has expanded its alternative-fuel leadership position, led by the Propane Vision school bus. Blue Bird is the second-largest automotive manufacturer in Georgia and the largest manufacturing employer in central Georgia.

Blue Bird notes that propane is the fastest-growing alternative fuel in the school bus industry. As a result, the company’s employment numbers top 1600 employees from more than 45 Georgia counties. Equally impressive is employee retention, with average employee tenure of 16 years. Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal recently visited Blue Bird and toured the manufacturing line, meeting with employees and learning more about the company’s products and growth. Deal also inspected six new custom-engineered buses for the Georgia Department of Corrections.

“Our manufacturing sector is booming, and it is because of companies like this one that our state can claim such success,” said Deal. “This Georgia-based business employs more than 1600 citizens statewide and supports other local businesses and charities. I am thankful for its commitment to Georgia citizens, our communities, and the economic vitality of our state.”

“Blue Bird’s impressive growth has had a tremendous impact on Peach County, central Georgia, and the state of Georgia,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird. “The company’s growth is a direct reflection of Blue Bird’s commitment to engineering and building industry-leading buses that our customers value. We are proud of Blue Bird’s sustained success and are committed to growing the company and providing more employment opportunities for the citizens of Georgia.”