Governor Brian Kemp (R-GA) today announced that Blue Bird Corporation is expanding its existing footprint in Peach County by investing an estimated $300 million in a new manufacturing facility in Fort Valley and creating 375 new jobs over the next three years.
How does Blue Bird plan to expand this facility and create new jobs? Blue Bird will convert a former manufacturing site for diesel-powered motorhomes at 401 Wanderlodge Way in Fort Valley into a new facility to build buses of all powertrains.
The new, 1-million-square-foot manufacturing facility will produce Type C school buses, including diesel, gasoline, propane, and electric-powered models.
Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027. The company will be hiring for manufacturing, operations, and technician roles.
What key figures had to say:
- Gov. Brian Kemp: “For nearly 100 years, Blue Bird has been an incredible part of Georgia’s story, and now that story will continue to be written for years to come. We are proud when our long-time partners can grow and adapt to changing markets right here in the Peach State, and this expansion is the latest example that our pro-business environment is fostering sustained success for our business partners.”
- John Wyskiel, President and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation: “Georgia is where Blue Bird was born, and it has been our home for nearly 100 years. Every bus that rolls out of our plant carries the pride of the people across Middle Georgia who build it. Our new facility in Fort Valley is our way of investing back into the community where we will continue to build more of the safe, dependable buses that school districts rely on, so we can keep getting children to school safely for the next hundred years.”
What is Blue Bird Corporation known for? Blue Bird school buses are available in a wide range of options and configurations to meet the diverse needs of school districts worldwide.
As a technology leader and innovator of school buses, the company has set industry standards through innovative design, engineering excellence, and advanced manufacturing capabilities, and currently supports more than 1,900 employees in Georgia.
