MCI combining operations with sister company New Flyer

MCI, one of the industry’s mainstays, is combining operations with New Flyer. Both are subsidiaries of parent company, NFI Group.

This company-wide transformational initiative, called “NFI Forward,” is being done to rationalize the business units and facilities, the company said in a statement announcing the consolidation.

“While we have been working to streamline our businesses to enhance competitiveness by leveraging scale, expertise, and capability, the drastic and unanticipated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to revisit our unique business definitions,” said Paul Soubry, NFI President and Chief Executive Officer.

“The first major activity of NFI Forward is the immediate combination of New Flyer and MCI into one business, and to ensure a smooth transition Ian Smart (former MCI President) has been appointed Executive Vice President, Business Transformation of NFI to lead the effort.”

New Flyer and MCI have legacies of product excellence dating back to the 1930’s. The combined entity will retain both market-leading brands and will operate under the leadership of New Flyer President Chris Stoddart. 

“Leveraging North America’s largest team of experts in bus and coach technology and design, manufacturing, and support, we are keen to continue executing on our innovation agenda,” said Stoddart. “I look forward to working with Ian to ensure a seamless combination of our businesses, and to enhancing the competitiveness of all New Flyer and MCI product and service offerings.”

Smart added: “We have know the past several months have been extremely hard on all of our customers, and our primary focus was to continue providing exceptional customer care as they responded to the pandemic. The dramatic drop off of the motorcoach market, and the challenges resulting from COVID-19 presented an opportunity to integrate MCI into New Flyer, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective combined business. Unfortunately, it also means the elimination of certain executive roles, and I want to recognize and thank those affected for all that they contributed to MCI and to our customers for so many years.”

The combined entity will continue offering all models of New Flyer transit buses and MCI motorcoaches, the industry’s widest range of models and propulsion systems. MCI public market sales will be combined under New Flyer Vice President of Sales & Marketing Jennifer McNeill, while MCI private market sales will be led by Brent Maitland, Vice President, Private Sector Sales & Marketing. Pat Ziska will continue to lead the private new coach sales team, while Steve Batho will continue to lead MCI technical customer support and service centers.

“At NFI, we exist to move people, and our dedication to customers remains unwavering,” said Soubry. “We will overcome the incredible impact from this pandemic and will keep communities moving safely as we continue to lead the migration to smarter vehicles and develop more environmentally responsible platforms.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated 5 p.m. July 29 to clarify the relationship between MCI and New Flyer. 

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