the Fort Valley, Ga., plant to work with overseas vendors. Horlock explained that this company will take on the carrying costs of stor- ing parts for Blue Bird for up to a few weeks and will deliver the parts directly to the manufacturing line “just in time.” “Tat’s a pretty powerful tool to have for us, and it really gives
us real confidence in having a supply chain where the vendor is quite away from our plant,” he added. Te brass tacks come down to contracts. “When we talk about suppliers, we do talk about supplier
❝
supply, and I thought we’ve done a really nice job of ensuring that.” Meanwhile, the playing field figures to level even more with
the announcement of the new Lion Bus Type C conventional (see sidebar on page 36). Starcraft Bus representatives said it was still “too early to tell” how a partnership with Hino Trucks on a new Type C conventional could help alleviate supply challenge in the aftermath of the magnitude 9.0 earthquake that hit Japan in March. Starcraft originally expected to go into production with the new model this spring, but that has been delayed.
not remain in the school bus market. Reduced competition could eventually increase component prices.
partnerships,” Horlock said. “I mean, we look at our suppliers as someone we want long-term relationships with, particularly our major suppliers. Obviously, it’s not surprising who are the big ones that have become the power train side of the business, and so we want to make sure that we’re well protected. I keep coming back to having a good contract to make sure we always get constant
06/06/11
Without a certain market volume, some component suppliers may ❞
— Kelley Platt, Thomas Built Buses “No doubt, prices have been rising steadily, and if it continues
through the fall, it will be a serious issue for our industry,” said David Wright, GM of Starcraft Bus, declining to comment on any specific supply-chain issues arising from the Japan earthquake and resulting tsunami. “If it levels off in the next few months, it is manageable.” ■
For reliable air conditioning, turn to the people with advanced degrees. Mobile Climate Control offers the most extensive line of split and rooftop AC units to optimize system performance on any school bus, small to large. And they’re all backed by expert support. Maybe that’s why more school buses in North America cool with MCC. Call MCC, 1.800.673.2431. Or visit our Web site. For AC that’s an A+.
www.mcc-hvac.com
34 School Transportation News Magazine August 2011
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