Thomas Built Buses Names VP of Operations

Chris Russell takes over Manufacturing Operations

High Point, N.C. – May 26, 2015 – Chris Russell has been appointed vice president of operations at Thomas Built Buses, effective May 4, 2015. Russell will oversee two bus body plants, a chassis plant, a component fabrication plant and related logistics operations, including more than one million square feet of facilities and more than 1,500 employees.

“Thomas Built Buses is the leader in the school bus industry. From first-to-market innovations and safety features to green technology (both on the buses and in the plants), Thomas Built Buses is setting the pace for the future of pupil transportation,” said Russell. “These are exciting times in the school bus industry, and I am excited to be of part of the team here at Thomas Built.”

Russell, who joined Detroit Diesel in 2006, previously served in several roles in Detroit including manufacturing engineering manager, internal logistics manager, engine assembly and test manager, and most recently order center and production planning manager. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Russell fills the vacancy created when former VP of Operations, Caley Edgerly, was recently named President and CEO of Thomas Built Buses.

“This is a fantastic time to be with Thomas Built Buses, and Chris brings with him years of valuable experience. We have every confidence that Chris is the right person for the job,” said Caley Edgerly, president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses.

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.