Prevost expands Goodlettsville facility, highlighting industry growth and community impact

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Motorcoach manufacturer Prevost marked the expansion of its Goodlettsville service center Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that drew a large crowd of industry leaders, government officials, and customers, underscoring the facility’s expected impact on both the local community and the broader motorcoach industry.

The event brought together representatives from local, state, and federal government, along with customers, business leaders, and Prevost employees. Attendees also included entertainment industry figures, with live performances from award-winning bands highlighting the strong connection between touring and the motorcoach sector.

Doubles capacity

The upgraded, nearly 60,000-square-foot facility doubles the size of the previous location and includes a new collision center, expanded office space and parking, and increased service capacity to meet growing demand, particularly in the entertainer coach market.

Company officials said the investment reflects Prevost’s continued commitment to customer service and its role in the local community.

Steve Zeigler, vice president of the North America bus shell division, added that the project highlights the company’s focus on long-term growth and workforce support.

“This investment reflects our commitment not only to innovation and growth, but also to the people — our employees, customers, and partners — who make our success possible,” Zeigler said.

Growth strategy

Kevin Dawson, vice president of commercial operations, said the expansion is part of Prevost’s broader growth strategy for 2026, centered on improving customer service and operational efficiency.

“If our customers aren’t successful, we’re not successful,” Dawson said. “We don’t make decisions within our company or our brand without focusing on customer success.”

He said the added capacity is intended to reduce service delays and keep operators on the road.

“This expansion is about reducing wait times and getting customers’ coaches in and out faster,” Dawson said. “If customers are waiting too long, that’s a problem we need to solve.”

Dawson said the company’s long-term success depends on supporting its customers’ businesses.

“This is their livelihood — their ability to earn,” he said. “Our success comes from helping them succeed. If we deliver value, they’ll continue to invest in our product.”

The facility was dedicated to longtime employee Richard “Catfish” Moore, who helped plan the expansion and recently passed away. Branch Manager Mike Miguel said Moore’s impact on the company and its people made the recognition especially meaningful.

“If you knew Richard, you would know he would do anything for anyone at any time. He didn’t have enemies — only friends,” Miguel said. “He was a big part of the Prevost family, and there’s not one person here who wasn’t affected by his loss.”

With representatives from local, state, and federal government in attendance, speakers emphasized the broader significance of the motorcoach industry and its role in transportation and tourism across North America.

Fred Ferguson, president and CEO of the American Bus Association, told the crowd the expansion represents more than a facility upgrade.

“When you really think about what this moment means … it’s really a statement about the resiliency of the industry,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson said the industry supports 800,000 jobs nationwide and generates $158 billion in economic activity, including $50 billion in wages. He added that in Tennessee alone, the industry contributes billions in economic output and thousands of jobs.

“We are claiming a seat at the table. This industry commands respect,” he said.

Investment in community

Guillaume Charron, vice president of retail operations for Prevost, said the expansion strengthens both operations and community ties.

“This expansion is more than just a larger footprint. It’s an investment in our community,” Charron said.

He said the facility generates more than $4 million in annual sales and contributes over $1 million in taxes, while supporting dozens of local jobs.

Local operators said the expanded facility will improve efficiency and access to service.

Chris Davis, director of operations and business development at First Class Charter in Lawrenceburg, about 90 miles south of Goodlettsville, said proximity to parts and maintenance is critical.

“This is an amazing facility. They keep this place spotless,” Davis said. “The big thing for us is the access to parts and the availability of parts.”

Eric Blankenship, co-founder of All Access Leasing in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, said the facility meets long-standing needs driven by growth in entertainment travel, particularly for performers traveling to live shows.

Blankenship, who began his career as a musician before building a successful tour transportation business, also performed at the event with his band — something he said often surprises people who know him only through the transportation industry.

“I think it’s great,” said Blankenship, whose company relies on Prevost for both service and parts, particularly as touring demand continues to rise since the pandemic.