Press Releases

The Blue Bird manufacturing facility in Fort Valley, Ga., completed one year without a lost time incident, leading the premier school bus maker to be honored with the Traxis President Safety Award for 2008 for its plant’s employees safely working more than 3.4 million hours during the fiscal year, which ended in September. 

BLUE BIRD PLANT REACHES SAFETY MILESTONE, WINS FACILITY SAFETY AWARD

One year, 3.4 million hours worked without lost time 

FORT VALLEY, Ga. (Dec. 18, 2008) – The Blue Bird manufacturing facility in Fort Valley, Ga., completed one year without a lost time incident, leading the premier school bus maker to be honored with the Traxis President Safety Award for 2008 for its plant’s employees safely working more than 3.4 million hours during the fiscal year, which ended in September. 

“We are very proud of this important safety milestone,” said Bill Cooper, senior vice president and general manager, Blue Bird Corporation. “Our employees are our greatest asset, and their safety is our top priority. They manufacture one of the safest buses on the road, so we want them to be as safe as possible while they work on those buses. That’s why our plant motto is ‘Safety First, Safety Always.’” 

The Traxis President Safety Award was presented by Herb Clark, The Traxis Group’s senior vice president of human resources, to Ed Lyghtel, Blue Bird vice president of school bus operations. The yearly honor is awarded based on a scoring of plants within the Traxis Group. The metrics included hours, incident rates, lost time rates and restricted duty rates. The Fort Valley plant beat out other plants located in Georgia, Alabama and Budapest, Hungary.

 Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For more than 80 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Today, Blue Bird has more than 1,800 employees, two Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of dealers and service-parts facilities throughout North America. Its global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit the Blue Bird Corporation website at www.blue-bird.com.

The Blue Bird manufacturing facility in Fort Valley, Ga., hosted the Georgia Propane Alternative Fuels Statewide Road Show today. The tour made stops in Rome, Ga., on Dec. 2, and in Tifton, Ga., on Dec. 3. The tour highlights propane-powered vehicles like the Blue Bird Vision Type-C school bus, providing information and a ride-and-drive.

Fort Valley, Ga. (Dec. 4, 2008) – The Blue Bird manufacturing facility in Fort Valley, Ga., hosted the Georgia Propane Alternative Fuels Statewide Road Show today. The tour made stops in Rome, Ga., on Dec. 2, and in Tifton, Ga., on Dec. 3. The tour highlights propane-powered vehicles like the Blue Bird Vision Type-C school bus, providing information and a ride-and-drive.

"As a leader in alternative fuel solutions for the school bus industry, Blue Bird is always trying to produce safer buses-safer for those on board and safer for the environment," said Ron Smith, director of marketing, Blue Bird Corporation. "Our commitment to alternative fuels is not new. We introduced the CNG- (compressed natural gas) powered Blue Bird Vision bus in 1991 and then the propane-powered Vision bus in November 2006. Blue Bird is proud to be a part of this tour, which highlights the wealth of benefits provided by alternative fuels."

The program featured a brief overview of the propane industry and tax credits that are available, as well as provided the opportunity to speak directly to vehicle representatives about each product. Aside from the Blue Bird propane-powered Vision bus, other vehicles on the tour include a Ford F-150 pick-up truck, a Dixie Chopper propane lawnmower and an aftermarket converted vehicle. A General Motors 8.1-liter engine medium-duty platform is also highlighted.

On hand at the tour stop were Fort Valley Mayor John Stumbo; state Sen. Ross Tolleson, District 20; Skip Langley, representing U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, Ga.; Chairman Ned Sanders, Houston County Board of Commissioners; and Centerline Mayor Harold Edwards. Members of the Fort Valley City Council were also present.

The Road Show is hosted by Propane Education and Research Council (PERC), Georgia Clean Cities Coalition (Northwest, Middle and South), as well as the Middle Georgia Clean Air Coalition.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) promotes the safe, efficient use of odorized propane gas as a preferred energy resource through consumer and employee education and technology development and commercialization. The Council was authorized by the U.S. Congress with the passage of the Propane Education and Research Act (PERA), October 11, 1996.

Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For more than 80 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Today, Blue Bird has more than 1,800 employees, two Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of dealers and service-parts facilities throughout North America. Its global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit the Blue Bird Corporation website at www.blue-bird.com.

The National Association of Pupil Transportation (NAPT) recently honored Nancy Sherman with the 2008 NAPT Heroism Award, sponsored by Blue Bird Corporation. The award was presented to Sherman at the NAPT show last month in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Fort Valley, Ga. (Nov. 11, 2008) – The National Association of Pupil Transportation (NAPT) recently honored Nancy Sherman with the 2008 NAPT Heroism Award, sponsored by Blue Bird Corporation. The award was presented to Sherman at the NAPT show last month in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

“Safety is the number one priority in transporting children,” said Bill Danner, vice president of dealer sales for North America, Blue Bird Corporation. “The purpose of this award is to recognize someone in our industry that has demonstrated extreme courage and heroism to maintain the highest level of safety possible.”

The annual Heroism Award was given based on Sherman’s actions during an incident that took place on Dec. 4, 2007. She was driving a school bus for Moriarty Municipal Schools in Moriarty, New Mexico. While driving her 71-passenger Blue Bird bus on a two-lane state road, a pick-up truck pulling a trailer with lumber on the roof approached traveling in the opposite direction. As the truck neared the bus, the lumber on the trailer shifted, sending one of the boards through the windshield of the bus. The support post of the windshield snapped the board, but not before it had struck Sherman in the face, breaking her jaw and causing spinal injuries and numerous cuts from the broken glass. One student also suffered minor injuries from the broken glass.

“The first thing that went through my mind was asking God for the strength and ability to safely get off the road, so that my babies would be safe,” said Sherman. “My concern wasn’t about myself; It was for my babies.”

Though badly injured, Sherman maintained consciousness long enough to safely guide the bus off the road, come to a complete stop and engage the parking brake. It was only after another school bus approached and a coworker came to Sherman’s aid that she lost consciousness. Sherman’s first concern upon waking in the hospital was the safety of the students on board her bus.

Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For more than 80 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Today, Blue Bird has more than 1,800 employees, two Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of dealers and service-parts facilities throughout North America. Its global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit the Blue Bird Corporation website at www.blue-bird.com.

 

Blue Bird introduced the latest offering of its Type D All American® school bus today here at the National Association of Pupil Transportation (NAPT) show. The next-generation bus incorporates the same Blue Bird reliability and safety of previous buses with new features requested by end-users.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (Oct. 28, 2008) – Blue Bird introduced the latest offering of its Type D All American® school bus today here at the National Association of Pupil Transportation (NAPT) show. The next-generation bus incorporates the same Blue Bird reliability and safety of previous buses with new features requested by end-users.

“We based the development of this new bus heavily on the needs and desires of the end-users,” said Roger Howsmon, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President Sales, Blue Bird Corporation. “Through extensive research, we were able to identify features that are important to drivers, service technicians and transportation directors. We redesigned the bus to implement those features , making the new All American our safest and most reliable bus yet.”

The All American is available in a front or rear engine configuration and features bold, progressive styling, a one-piece body bow and  a coach-style profile. The exterior displays a restyled warning light module and roof caps. Inside, the driver’s platform has been eliminated, and passenger seats are high-back and channel-mounted. Driver ergonomics have also been improved with more room and better instrumentation placement and grouping.

The All American’s front windshield measures 33 percent larger for increased visibility and safety, and the wipers clear approximately 90 percent of the visible area. The entrance is wider, taller, power-controlled and has no change in the step dimensions from the ground floor. The emergency door is also wider with larger, bonded windows. The bus’ new steering system allows a wheel cut of up to 50 degrees, providing significant maneuverability that is the best in its class.

Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For more than 80 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Today, Blue Bird has more than 1,800 employees, two Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of dealers and service-parts facilities throughout North America. Its global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.  For more information, visit the Blue Bird website at www.blue-bird.com.

Blue Bird announced today that its authorized dealer, A. Girardin, Inc. in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada, has acquired Pearson Bus Sales Ltd. in Ontario, Canada. Pearson Bus Sales is also an authorized dealer for Blue Bird and for Girardin Minibus in Ontario.

Fort Valley, Ga. (October 8, 2008) – Blue Bird announced today that its authorized dealer, A. Girardin, Inc. in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada, has acquired Pearson Bus Sales Ltd. in Ontario, Canada. Pearson Bus Sales is also an authorized dealer for Blue Bird and for Girardin Minibus in Ontario.

“Girardin will continue building on the excellent work of the Pearson family in representing Blue Bird and promoting our products through Pearson Bus Sales in the Ontario market,” said Jeff Carpenter, dealer development director for Blue Bird.

Tony Martins has been appointed general manager. Martins has more than 10 years experience in the school and activity bus market as quality manager with Canadian Blue Bird Coach, Ltd. Rick Pearson will remain as sales manager during the transition period. Quebec and the Maritime Provinces will continue to be served through Girardin.

Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For more than 80 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Today, Blue Bird has more than 1,800 employees, two Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of dealers and service-parts facilities throughout North America. Its global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit the Blue Bird Corporation website at www.blue-bird.com.

Blue Bird announced today the addition of Texas-based Rush Enterprises to its North American listing of school and activity bus dealers.

Fort Valley, Ga. (October 1, 2008) – Blue Bird announced today the addition of Texas-based Rush Enterprises to its North American listing of school and activity bus dealers.

“Rush, which operates the largest full-service network of heavy- and medium-duty truck dealerships in North America, is the perfect addition to our team,” said Roger Howsmon, chief marketing officer and senior vice president sales, Blue Bird Corporation. “Rush Enterprises adds 14 full-service bus sales, parts and service support locations in its Blue Bird area of responsibility across the eastern half of Texas, including the major metro areas of Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Austin, further strengthening our already excellent dealer coverage.”

“Partnering up with Blue Bird complements our strategy to leverage our existing assets by expanding our product offerings,” said W.M. “Rusty” Rush, president and CEO of Rush Enterprises. “Rush will operate its bus sales and service dealerships in Texas as Rush Bus Centers. The company will provide parts, service and body shop support from its Rush Truck Centers locations around the respective market area. School and activity buses are a natural addition to our full-service dealerships.”

Rush Enterprises (NASDAQ: RUSHA & RUSHB) operates the largest network of heavy- and medium- duty truck dealerships in North America and a construction equipment dealership in Houston, Texas.  Its current truck operations include a network located throughout the southern United States in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. These dealerships provide an integrated, one-stop sales and service of new and used heavy- and medium-duty trucks and construction equipment, aftermarket parts, service and body shop capabilities, chrome accessories, tires and a wide array of financial services including the financing of truck and equipment sales, insurance products and leasing and rentals.

Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For more than 80 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Today, Blue Bird has more than 1,800 employees, two Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of dealers and service-parts facilities throughout North America. Its global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.  For more information, visit the Blue Bird website at www.blue-bird.com.

Blue Bird Corporation is pleased to announce the following organizational promotions at Blue Bird:

Fort Valley, Georgia (July 3, 2008) – Blue Bird Corporation is pleased to announce the following organizational promotions at Blue Bird:

Bill Danner has been promoted to Vice-President of School Bus Sales. Bill joined Blue Bird in 2005 as Director of Field Sales in the Service Parts Division. In 2006 Bill assumed the responsibility as Director of School Bus Sales. Previous to joining Blue Bird, Bill had a successful career in Distribution with Nissan North America.  Bill has a BBA from Miami University and resides in Atlanta with his wife Debra. He will continue to work directly with Roger Howsmon, Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Vice President - Sales.

 

 

 

Travis Kelly has been promoted to Vice-President of Finance. Travis joined Blue Bird in June 2007 as Corporate Controller. He completed his undergraduate degree from the University of Windsor and his MBA from Wayne State University. Travis, his wife Lynne, and their children Reese and Ethan reside in Warner Robins. Travis will continue to report directly to Mike Horne, Executive Vice-President and CRO.

 

 

 

 

Michael McCurdy has been promoted to Vice-President of Human Resources. Mike joined Blue Bird in 1999 in the North Georgia as Human Resource Manager and later assumed responsibility as Production Manager. In 2000 he was transferred to Fort Valley and became Director of Human Resources in 2004. Mike has a BBA from Baylor University. In this role, Mike will report to Herb Clark, Senior Vice-President of Human Resources.

 

 

 

 

Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For over 80 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Today, Blue Bird has over 1,800 employees, two Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of dealers and service-parts facilities throughout North America.  Our global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.  Please visit the Blue Bird Corporation website at www.blue-bird.com.

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For more information contact:

Ron Smith, Director -Marketing

Tel: (478) 822-2492, Fax: (478) 822-2466

Email ron.smith@blue-bird.com

On April 10-11, 2008 the National School Transportation Association Board of Directors visited Blue Bird’s manufacturing facilities in Fort Valley and Lafayette, Georgia.  Board members toured both Blue Bird facilities which included a close-up look at Blue Bird’s new Propane-Powered Vision^® School Bus.

FORT VALLEY, GA (May 21, 2008) – On April 10-11, 2008 the National School Transportation Association Board of Directors visited Blue Bird’s manufacturing facilities in Fort Valley and Lafayette, Georgia.  Board members toured both Blue Bird facilities which included a close-up look at Blue Bird’s new Propane-Powered Vision® School Bus.

 

 “Blue Bird is privileged to be a manufacturer partner with the NSTA and to have the opportunity to support the efforts this organization contributes to the school transportation industry, including promoting school bus safety and environmentally-friendly solutions to school transportation,” said Roger Howsmon, Chief Marketing Officer & Senior Vice-President of School Bus Sales.  During the meeting the two organizations reinforced their commitment to jointly explore new opportunities that will strengthen the partnership, offering programs that benefit the NSTA membership as well as contributing to continued improvement of school transportation.

 

About National School Transportation Association (NSTA)

NSTA is a national organization representing the interests and concerns of school transportation contractors who share the common goal of making school transportation safe, affordable and efficient for all school districts. The association provides representation with all agencies of the U.S. Government as well as other national organizations. The NSTA is committed to protecting contractor interests while securing federal funding and grant opportunities for school bus operators, manufacturers and suppliers.

 

About Blue Bird

Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For over 80 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Today, Blue Bird has over 1,800 employees, two Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of dealers and service-parts facilities throughout North America.  Our global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.  Please visit the Blue Bird Corporation website at www.blue-bird.com.

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For more information contact:

Ron Smith, Director -Marketing

Tel: (478) 822-2492, Fax: (478) 822-2466

Email ron.smith@blue-bird.com

Blue Bird Corporation announced today the gifting of the first steel-bodied school bus, Blue Bird No. 1.  Albert L. “Buddy” Luce, Jr., son of Blue Bird Body Company founder Albert Luce, Sr., gifted the bus to The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan where it will be prominently displayed within the Henry Ford Museum later this year.

FORT VALLEY, GA (March 10, 2008) - Blue Bird Corporation announced today the gifting of the first steel-bodied school bus, Blue Bird No. 1.  Albert L. “Buddy” Luce, Jr., son of Blue Bird Body Company founder Albert Luce, Sr., gifted the bus to The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan where it will be prominently displayed within the Henry Ford Museum later this year.

Blue Bird No. 1 was the first steel-bodied school bus built by Albert Luce, Sr., in 1927. Luce was the owner of Ford dealerships in Fort Valley and Perry, Georgia when one of his customers requested a vehicle to transport workers to a cement plant. Luce bought a wood-bodied bus that he sold to this customer but the wood deteriorated before the customer could finish paying for the vehicle. Luce investigated ways of building a better bus and constructed a body using steel angles and channels, steel sheets, wood and canvas. He then mounted it to a 1927 Ford Model T chassis. This new bus was sold to Frank Slade of Marshallville, Georgia to be used as a school bus.
 
“Blue Bird embodies the ingenuity and resourcefulness of one man,” said Patricia Mooradian, president of The Henry Ford institution. “By taking one innovation, the Model T, and using it as the foundation for his school bus, Mr. Luce changed the paradigm of transportation for school-age children in terms of safety and reliability. Within eight years, all major school bus manufacturers were producing steel-body buses.”

By 1932 the Depression had reduced car sales so seriously that Luce sold his Ford agencies and concentrated full-time on manufacturing school buses. He named his new company Blue Bird Body Company. Today, Blue Bird Corporation remains one of the nation’s major school bus manufacturers.

“Donating Blue Bird No. 1 to The Henry Ford at this time is meaningful to me for many reasons,” said Albert L. “Buddy” Luce, Jr.  “Last year was the 80th anniversary of Blue Bird Body Company (Now Blue Bird Corporation) and I feel this is a great way to acknowledge that milestone. In addition, 2008 is the centennial of the Model T Ford. Blue Bird No. 1 will be a valuable addition to the collection of this great institution.”

Blue Bird No. 1 will go on display in Henry Ford Museum in May, 2008.

About The Henry Ford 
The Henry Ford, located in Dearborn, Mich. was founded in 1929 by automotive pioneer Henry Ford.  This history destination includes Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, The Henry Ford IMAX Theatre, The Benson Ford Research Center and The Ford Rouge Factory Tour.  The Henry Ford, America’s Greatest History attraction, is the history destination that brings the American experience to life.  For more information please visit our Web site www.TheHenryFord.org.

About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For over 80 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Today, Blue Bird has over 1,800 employees, two Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of dealers and service-parts facilities throughout North America.  Our global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.  Please visit the Blue Bird Corporation website at www.blue-bird.com.

Fort Valley, Georgia (February 14, 2008) – Blue Bird Corporation has announced the naming of Ron Sheldon to International Sales Director and Matt Matthews to Export Sales Engineer within their International Sales Team.

Fort Valley, Georgia (February 14, 2008) – Blue Bird Corporation has announced the naming of Ron Sheldon to International Sales Director and Matt Matthews to Export Sales Engineer within their International Sales Team.

Ron Sheldon brings more than 20 years of sales and marketing experience, including 10 years of direct experience in international sales. He comes to Blue Bird from Nordic Group where he served as Vice President and General Manager of the Industrial Vehicles Division. Sheldon holds a Bachelor of Science – Business Administration, Marketing Management from Western Governors University of Salt Lake City, Utah. Ron and his wife Lorraine will relocate to the middle-Georgia area.

Matt Matthews joined Blue Bird in 1977 and has spent the last 20 years of his tenure in Blue Bird’s Engineering Department. In his new position Matthews will coordinate day-to-day inside activities of the International Sales Team. His strong technical background and product knowledge will bring significant value to the department’s growth and sales efforts.

Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For over 80 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Today, Blue Bird has over 1,800 employees, two Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of dealers and service-parts facilities throughout North America.  Our global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.  Please visit the Blue Bird Corporation website at www.blue-bird.com.
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For more information contact:
Ron Smith, Director -Marketing
Tel: (478) 822-2492, Fax: (478) 822-2466
Email ron.smith@blue-bird.com

Blue Bird Corporation today announced utilization of iWarranty software from 4C Solutions, Inc. (4CS), a leading provider of warranty lifecycle management software applications. The iWarranty software will help drive continued dealer/customer satisfaction, vehicle quality improvement, cost reduction and profitability.

Fort Valley, Georgia (January 28, 2008) – Blue Bird Corporation today announced utilization of iWarranty software from 4C Solutions, Inc. (4CS), a leading provider of warranty lifecycle management software applications. The iWarranty software will help drive continued dealer/customer satisfaction, vehicle quality improvement, cost reduction and profitability.

Blue Bird joins other automotive and durable goods companies in leveraging 4CS
iWarranty to assist in collaboration with suppliers to improve component quality and reduce warranty costs. Rodney Snider, Blue Bird IT Director, said “Blue Bird’s needs to migrate from its legacy system to a standard web-based system initially led us to license 4CS iWarranty software. The iWarranty application closely matched our business processes, business model and our industry needs. With this integration, we are moving to a familiar system designed to be the best-in-class warranty lifecycle management solution designed for our industry.”

Other industry-specific enhancements the iWarranty software provides is the supplier warranty recovery process which is prominently used in the bus and motor coach industry. “It offers the most complete warranty package including supplier recovery issues”, added Tim Lacy, Director Customer Service.

An additional benefit, the iWarranty software will help identify areas for improvement having the capability to attach digital pictures to claims and part return authorizations.  This will enable better communications with production, engineering and suppliers. Improvement to supplier recovery and supplier component quality is expected with the iWarranty software to effectively collaborate with Blue Bird suppliers.

About 4C Solutions, Inc.:
4CS is a leading provider of warranty software solutions. 4CS iWarranty software helps reduce the warranty cost of the products by improving the quality and reliability of the products, sharing the cost and information with suppliers and business partners along with automating the warranty management processes.
The iWarranty product directly connects manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, partners and customers in a service network. It optimizes the entire warranty cycle through the integration of the following applications: Claim Submittal, Claim Processing, Claim Review & Payment, Parts Return, Supplier Warranty, Purchased Warranty, Warranty Analytics, and Warranty Center.
About Blue Bird:
Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For over 80 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Today, Blue Bird has over 1,800 employees, two Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of dealers and service-parts facilities throughout North America.  Our global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.  Please visit the Blue Bird Corporation website at www.blue-bird.com.

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For more information contact:
Ron Smith, Director -Marketing
Tel: (478) 822-2492, Fax: (478) 822-2466
Email ron.smith@blue-bird.com

Blue Bird Corporation is pleased to announce the addition of Fred Montreuil to their marketing team.  Montreuil will serve as Product Trainer and will take the lead in all Blue Bird School Bus customer visits, presentations, plant tours, product feature and benefit training activities. 

Fort Valley, Georgia (January 9, 2008) – Blue Bird Corporation is pleased to announce the addition of Fred Montreuil to their marketing team.  Montreuil will serve as Product Trainer and will take the lead in all Blue Bird School Bus customer visits, presentations, plant tours and product feature & benefit training activities. 

Montreuil has over 20 years of production and management experience coupled with 7 years of human resources, training and development experience.  He comes to Blue Bird from Brown and Williamson Corporation, of Macon, GA where he held a number of positions of increasing responsibility and most recently as their Human Resources Manger.  Other experience includes positions with Yamaha Motor Manufacturing, in Newnan, GA, and Packard Electric – General Motors, in Warren, OH. 

A native of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Montreuil was raised in New York City and holds a Bachelor of Technology Degree from New York Institute of Technology. He resides in Macon, GA with his wife of 22 years, Renay Bloom Montreuil, a general-practice attorney.  They have three children.

Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For over 80 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Today, Blue Bird has over 1,800 employees, two Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of dealers and service-parts facilities throughout North America.  Our global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.  Please visit the Blue Bird Corporation website at www.blue-bird.com.
# # # #

For more information contact:
Ron Smith, Director -Marketing
Tel: (478) 822-2492, Fax: (478) 822-2466
Email ron.smith@blue-bird.com