ELKHART, Ind. — After several years away from the motorcoach parts industry, Tim Ott was ready to return to the business he built his career around.
Ott, a longtime manufacturer and entrepreneur in the aftermarket coach parts industry, said he saw an opportunity to create a company that focuses on helping operators reduce repair costs while improving product quality and turnaround times.
That vision led to the January launch of TCM Coach Parts LLC, which Ott co-founded with longtime industry colleague Charlie McCarron. The two are now partners in the business.
“It feels good to be back,” Ott said. “It’s like falling back into place.”
The new company manufactures aftermarket thermal-formed and fiberglass replacement body parts for motorcoaches and transit buses. TCM supplies components for major manufacturers including MCI, Van Hool, Prevost, New Flyer and Gillig.
The business operates out of Elkhart, Indiana, while team members work remotely throughout the country, including Tennessee and Florida.
Ott said the company was designed to offer operators an alternative to OEM body parts at a time when many fleets face increased financial pressure.
“During these serious, economically challenging times, the operators have an avenue to keep their fleet repaired at a significant saving,” Ott said.
‘Starting it all again’
Returning to the industry also meant reconnecting with longtime employees Brian Taberski and Matt Meyers, along with colleagues who helped establish his earlier business ventures.
“The guys who started it all are starting it all again,” he said.
McCarron said the new company builds on decades of relationships with operators and parts managers across the country.
“I’m more of a sales guy,” McCarron said. “Tim’s more of the production guy.”
TCM’s founders and nationwide sales staff bring a combined 150 years of experience in manufacturing, mechanical operations and aftermarket parts development.
Among the operators working with TCM is Village Travel in Wichita, Kansas. Jackie Haymond, parts manager for Village Travel, said she has worked with McCarron for years and trusted his understanding of operators’ needs when he and Ott launched the new venture.
“I had a business relationship with Charlie when he was at a different manufacturer for the same type of products,” Haymond said. “When he started his own business, he really understood our needs.”
Haymond said TCM has helped improve product quality and turnaround times for her operation.
“They’ve provided us with some better quality aftermarket body parts than we have had in the past,” she said. “The quality of body parts that we’re receiving from them is far superior to the previous aftermarket manufacturer.”
She added that pricing has remained competitive despite the improved quality.
“The pricing is also fair,” Haymond said. “It’s about the same as what we were paying before, but for a better quality product. Your value is much greater.”
Saving money, time
The company focuses on producing replacement components that can help operators reduce downtime and avoid lengthy repair schedules. Some products are prefinished to match the coach color before shipment, reducing the labor required during installation.
McCarron said TCM products are generally priced 20% to 30% below OEM alternatives.
TCM manufactures fiberglass and ABS replacement parts, including Prevost protector panels, Van Hool road rails and MCI bumperettes.
The company also works to improve the durability and functionality of parts.
Haymond said delivery speed has also been an advantage for Village Travel.
“Typically within one week,” she said of most shipments. “The turnaround time is better than what we were used to. So, really, it’s been great.”
TCM is expanding its product line while investing in additional tooling and manufacturing capacity.
“We’re building as fast as we can,” McCarron said.
TCM’s in-house tooling capabilities allow the company to move quickly when operators request new replacement parts.
For parts already in production, the company said many orders can ship within 24 to 48 hours.
