Henlys Group PLC: USA Management Changes At Blue Bird Corporation

SCARBOROUGH, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM, July 9, 2003 – Henlys Group plc, the international bus and coach manufacturer, has announced the appointment of Mr. Jeffry D. Bust as President and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation, effective July 8, 2003. From the same date Richard Maddox will move to the position of Vice President and General Manager, School Bus Business Unit.

Commenting on the appointment and management changes, Allan Welsh, CEO of Henlys Group plc said; "Jeff Bust brings to Blue Bird the skills and experience needed to lead the implementation of the ambitious growth and product range expansion plans we have in place for the next few years."

Jeff Bust started his career in the US Navy, obtaining a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. At the end of his five year Naval term he attended Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, receiving an MBA before embarking on a highly successful industrial career.

Initially Jeff worked in Contract Engineering and Operations Management with a supplier of defense equipment, at one stage leading a project to build a lean, state-of-the-art green field plant for the manufacture of high-tech military systems. He progressed through a number of increasingly senior operational and general management roles with industrial equipment manufacturers, building an impressive track record for improving business efficiency, quality and customer service. Jeff has spent the last five years with Grove Worldwide LLC, first as President of the Cranes Division and more recently as Chairman and CEO.

Richard Maddox, Blue Bird's outgoing President and CEO said, "During the past four years we have made considerable progress at Blue Bird in new product development and in strengthening the management team. Because of this, we are now well positioned to grow our business in the school bus market, the transit and shuttle bus market, the commuter and coach market, and the luxury motorhome market."

Maddox further stated, "We are confident this new business unit organization structure will improve our focus and our effectiveness toward our corporate goals of growth, operational excellence, and market leadership. At this stage, we believe Jeff Bust has the appropriate skills and experiences to lead the overall company during this robust period of growth and operational improvement.

Today's announcement follows other recent management appointments including Barry Hines being named Vice President and General Manager of Blue Bird's Commercial Bus Division; Wayne Joseph being named Vice President and General Manager of Blue Bird's Coach & RV Division; and Mike Beck being named Vice President of Quality and Business Improvement.

Blue Bird Corporation continues to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing of school buses, commercial buses and Wanderlodge motor coaches. Founded in 1927, Blue Bird employs nearly 3,000 people throughout four facilities in three countries. For more information visit www.blue-bird.com.

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