Micro Bird has announced plans to establish manufacturing operations in Plattsburgh, New York. The company, which is a joint venture between Blue Bird Corporation and Girardin, manufactures both electric and non-electric small and mid-sized school and commercial buses. Micro Bird has purchased a Nova Bus facility, which will be the location of its new plant. Additionally, employees at the Nova Bus facility will have the ability to transition into similar positions at Micro Bird. Micro Bird plans to invest $38 million into the project, generating 350 jobs for the surrounding area over the next five years. Production at the new plant is expected to begin in 2025.

To help support the project, Empire State Development will provide up to $9.825 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits and a $2.5 million capital grant.

What people are saying

In a recent quote, Micro Bird President and CEO Eric Boulé said, “This is a great opportunity for our company to expand our operations in the State of New York. This investment is part of a growth strategy to double production capacity and better meet the sustained and growing demand for its products, which are known for their superior quality, durability and value. The availability of a highly qualified workforce, and with the strong support of Governor Hochul and her team, Senator Schumer, Clinton County and the Town of Plattsburgh, we are looking forward to a successful and sustainable future in producing high quality buses for our US customers.”

Governor Kathy Hochul added, “When Nova Bus announced they would cease operations at their Plattsburgh facility, I immediately contacted company leadership and strongly advocated for solutions that would capitalize on the current workforce and existing supply chain. Today, I am proud to welcome Micro Bird — which we recruited to the North Country — where they can take advantage of our top talent, a thriving transportation cluster and the major investments we have made across the region. New York’s manufacturing sector is in the midst of a major renaissance, and is a major driver of our economy. I look forward to a long and successful future for Micro Bird in New York State.”

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Investing in American manufacturing in 2024

This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants.