will need to establish a high-performing charging infrastructure. This includes partnering with the right charging station providers and, yes, even with local utility companies. In addition, we believe in developing partnerships with organizations within the school bus industry which have the shared passion for clean transportation such as Moms Clean Air Force, the World Resources Institute, and the many Clean Cities or- ganizations we work with to educate and promote the benefits of going green. We all are stronger together.
STN: What challenges must school bus
manufacturers continually stay in front of when providing customer service? What lessons did Blue Bird learn from the supply chain shortages, when vehicle deliveries were and continue to be pushed out months to years? Smith: We certainly faced significant
challenges through the pandemic, including supply chain issues that have impacted bus deliveries to our customers. The one bene- fit of having worked through these difficult times is we are learning how to better man- age our business should we ever face similar challenges in the future. We are working with our current suppliers and adding new ones so we can leverage a larger, more ro- bust supplier base in the future. Our primary focus remains to provide the safest and most reliable school buses to our customers. Our supplier partners continue to be vital in helping us to achieve this mission.
STN: Partnerships were likely crucial to
developing the new electric manufacturing facility. What did Blue Bird learn through that process? Smith: Our new Electric Vehicle Build-
up Center, which opened in May of this year, marks a key milestone in Blue Bird’s nearly 100-year history. This facility will enable Blue Bird to significantly increase its production capacity to approximately 5,000 zero-emission school buses annually in the years to come. Before making this significant investment it was critical that our partners shared our dedication to grow
Time to Update
AMF Bruns new Protektor Series Retractors
Protektor Series Retractors provides a long awaited update to our industry which has not seen significant change in decades. Red Dot Winner (Design Award) Protektor Series Wheelchair Securement Retractors offer:
• Cutting-edge design • Automatic and self-tensioning • Durable tensioning handle • Durable cover • Available with different hook attachments or vehicle floor attachments
AMF Bruns America 877-506-3770
www.amfbrunsamerica.com est 1958
www.stnonline.com 25
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