Blue Bird Corporation, a cornerstone in the American school bus manufacturing industry, has recently been awarded an $80 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This substantial funding aims to boost Blue Bird’s EV manufacturing capabilities and strengthen workforce development initiatives. This selection is a key component of the U.S. administration’s $2 billion initiative to transform traditional automotive facilities into EV production hubs, protect and grow manufacturing jobs, and fortify domestic supply chains.
The grant, managed by the DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), is a major investment in the future of U.S. manufacturing. It will finance half the $160 million required to convert Blue Bird’s former diesel-powered motorhome manufacturing site in Fort Valley, Georgia, into an advanced EV manufacturing facility. This conversion will escalate the production of Type-D electric school buses and create over 400 new, high-paying manufacturing jobs.
Jennifer M. Granholm, U.S. Secretary of Energy, underscored the significance of this initiative, stating, "There is nothing harder for a manufacturing community than to lose jobs to foreign competition and a changing industry. 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."
Phil Horlock, CEO of Blue Bird Corporation, expressed profound gratitude for the DOE’s support, emphasizing the grant's importance in revitalizing middle Georgia and expanding the workforce. “We are delighted that the U.S. Department of Energy supports our plant conversion project above the many submitted applications. The grant will enable Blue Bird to reinvest in middle Georgia, building on a previously manufactured high-end motorhome site. 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," he said.
As the sole U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer, Blue Bird is a leader in electric school buses, with nearly 2,000 zero-emission vehicles currently in operation. Transitioning to clean student transportation supports environmental sustainability and helps maintain approximately 2,000 well-paying jobs.
