BLUE BIRD PLANT NAMED FINALIST IN INDUSTRYWEEK MAGAZINE'S BEST PLANTS IN NORTH AMERICA 2006 COMPETITION

FORT VALLEY, GA (September 6, 2006) -For the second consecutive year, IndustryWeek has named Blue Bird’s North Georgia Body Company plant among its 25 finalists in the magazine’s Best Plants competition. The Blue Bird Corporation plant was selected from manufacturing facilities across North America in recognition for dedication to continuous improvement and outstanding performance in safety, quality and productivity.

The Blue Bird plant, located in LaFayette, Georgia, has been in operation since 1982 and presently manufactures the Vision model school bus body. Kevin Wood, La Fayette’s General Manager, attributes the nomination for this prestigious award to the commitment and effort displayed by Blue Bird’s employees. “If I had to pick one theme that would describe our achievements over the past few years, it would be that we are a plant with Vision,” said Wood. “The men and women of North Georgia Blue Bird know what needs to be accomplished, and they execute it with perfection. I am very proud of our workforce and feel honored to be associated with such a fine group of people.”

Jeff Bust, Blue Bird President and CEO, echoed Wood’s sentiments. “We are very pleased to be a finalist again for IndustryWeek’s Best Plants competition for 2006,” said Bust. “This recognition shows that the North Georgia plant employees continue to improve in safety and quality manufacturing.”

In addition to Blue Bird’s North Georgia facility, the transportation industry is strongly represented among the finalist group, with such facilities as GDX Automotive in New Haven, Missouri; Lear Corporation – Liberty Plant in Liberty, Missouri; and Magee Rieter Automotive Systems in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. The defense industry was also acknowledged, with two Lockheed Martin facilities being named among the finalists.

IndustryWeek will select ten winners of the 2006 IW Best Plants competition from the list of 25 finalists. Profiles of the Top 10 plants will appear in its October 2006 issue.

Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C, and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For nearly 80 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Blue Bird has an extensive network of distributors and service-parts facilities throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.blue-bird.com.

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