Thomas Built Buses Accelerates Investment in its High Point, North Carolina Facility to Meet Growing Saf-T-Liner C2 Demand
Contact: david.giroux@daimler.com
HIGH POINT, N.C., – Oct. 23, 2014 – Thomas Built Buses today announced the investment of $11,800,000 to add additional capacity and up to 236 new jobs to the company’s Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner® C2 operations in High Point, North Carolina.
The investment will expand C2 production at Thomas Built Buses headquarters and production facility in High Point, North Carolina by upwards of 25 percent. The expansion of the company’s C2 operations and fabrication parts producing capabilities was supported by approximately $66,100 in economic incentives granted from Randolph County and the City of Archdale.
Additionally, $300,000 was granted by the City of High Point and Guilford County as a commitment to their support of future growth, economic development and jobs in the High Point area that will be provided by the company’s investment in jobs, production expansion, robotics, health, safety and operational enhancements at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Thomas Built will also invest in additional training and lean processes to enhance continuous improvement and augment the knowledge base of our valued employees.
“Since 1916 High Point has been home to Thomas Built Buses, and we are thrilled to contribute to the local economic expansion,” said Kelley Platt, president, Thomas Built Buses. “This new wave of investment will allow us to hire up to 236 individuals in varying disciplines as well as invest is our production infrastructures to better streamline our production process.”
The C2 has revolutionized the school bus industry with outstanding maneuverability, state-of-the-art driver ergonomics and the most visibility among all Type C buses. The windshield provides a panoramic view and when combined with the low sloping hood, low instrument panel and A-pillar windows, the C2’s visibility footprint is the largest in the type C category in the industry.
Headquartered in High Point, North Carolina, Thomas Built offers a full line of Type A, C and D buses for schools, childcare centers, activity centers, transit applications and specialty markets. The facility in High Point currently employs approximately 1,400 workers which will increase to 1,650 when hiring is completed.
About Thomas Built Buses
Founded in 1916, Thomas Built Buses is a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America. Since the first Thomas Built bus rolled off the assembly line, the company has been committed to delivering the smartest and most innovative buses in North America. Learn more at www.thomasbus.com or at http://www.facebook.com/thomasbuiltbuses.
Thomas Built Buses, Inc., headquartered in High Point, N.C., is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, the largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America and a leading manufacturer of class 4-8 vehicles. Daimler Trucks North America produces and markets commercial vehicles under the Freightliner, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Daimler Trucks North America is a Daimler company.
