Q&A In It to Win It
A conversation with Matt Scheuler of Collins Bus on the evolution of the Type A manufacturer
B
ig things are afoot at the Collins Bus plant in South Hutchinson, Kansas, where most recently it produced a custom body for the new Ford Transit chassis. In some ways it was the culmination of parent company REV
Group’s transformation. But more so, it was a beginning of an entirely new business approach. We sat down with Collins Bus VP and GM Matt Scheuler to discuss these changes and to learn what this all means for the industry.
the future. However, at the end of the day the “One Ting” we can do to build on our heritage is to narrow our focus and safely manufacture the best products we possibly can to protect the most precious cargo we’re transporting which is all of our children.
STN: Why is Collins increasing its dealer network, and how is it going about accomplishing that? Scheuler: As a business, I think you always have to keep a close
eye on the ever changing landscape that are the markets you serve. As the landscape changes, we’re continuously monitoring the effects on our business and when necessary we embrace those changes which often means increasing our distribution channel into a specific market. Now I will say, there is definitely a balance to increasing your distribution network. When we add dealer partners we want to make sure that not only is this the best opportunity to grow our business, but also that we’re giving our new dealer an opportunity to be successful as well.
STN: What is the expected impact on the industry? Scheuler: Generally, I believe the impact on the industry is multi-faceted and what I think that means is a couple different things. Obviously, we want to see more children being transported in our products and customers taking advantage of some of the industry’s leading technology that we’ve built into our latest Type A buses. But at the same time, we want to make sure we’re doing our part to make a difference and ensure that the industry is improving upon itself year after year.
STN: How does the new Ford Transit play into this new vision? Scheuler: Te Ford Transit is a nice addition to our portfolio
School Transportation News: Several years in the making, par- ent company REV Group is completing a companywide reorgani- zation and rebranding of all 23 brands under one umbrella. What does this mean for Collins Bus? Matt Scheuler: As REV continues to create a more uniform company by aligning all the different business units, I think you’ll start to see some significant synergies throughout the organization. From expanding dealer networks, supply chain improvements, aftermarket parts programs to new product development, extensive marketing efforts and strategic partnerships. Tere is a lot happen- ing and it’s really amazing to be a part of something that’s going to be greater than any single business unit.
STN: As the first Type A school bus manufacturer, how is Col- lins co-mingling that expertise and longevity in the industry with its new young and aggressive outlook and objectives? Scheuler: From a business perspective and when comparing how
it relates to myself, our team and the future of Collins Bus, I can tell you that we’re wired to win and we are more focused than ever. From the very beginning back in 1967, we’ve been innovators and we’re going to continue to innovate as we move our business into
36 School Transportation News • MARCH 2016
from its handling, maneuverability, visibility, ease of driving and increased fuel economy. And what’s even better is that customers will get a product that has all the bells and whistles they have come to expect from Collins Bus including our unique structure design, which truly is unparalleled. At Collins Bus, the Ford Transit product goes down the exact
same production line as our GM and Ford E-Series products. What that means is as a customer you will see standardization of our products translating into higher overall product quality. We’re not trying to be everything to everybody, but rather creating a portfolio of products that is the best in class for the markets we serve.
STN: Do you consider yourself a maverick? Scheuler: I don’t know that I would go so far as to consider myself a maverick. As I’ve said before, I’m wired to win and we’ve placed talented people in positions that are like minded which translates directly into our business and ultimately into our prod- ucts and services. As a business leader, I think you have to set goals, be passionate about what you’re doing and take risks if you want to better yourself and the business. I will say that we’re going to continue to innovate at Collins Bus Corporation and frankly the business is greater than any one individual.
STN: Tanks. l
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84