Inside New Flyer’s Winnipeg factory, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stepped onto the production floor to get a glimpse into the future of Canadian manufacturing, one that includes a return to full bus production.
Carney’s visit April 1 to the NFI Group Inc. facility underscored a major milestone: for the first time in nearly 15 years, heavy-duty transit buses will soon be built entirely in Canada.
Full-scale production is expected to begin in September, part of a broader expansion by NFI’s subsidiary, New Flyer Industries Canada ULC.
“This expansion is not just about building buses. It’s about building a stronger Canadian manufacturing sector and creating additional skilled jobs,” said Paul Soubry, president and CEO of NFI Group. “We’re grateful for the support and financial investment from both Prairies Economic Development Canada and the Government of Manitoba.”
The move is expected to increase production capacity significantly and to create new jobs in Winnipeg and across the country, strengthening NFI’s North American workforce.
“It is an exciting time at New Flyer as we support investments in North American public transportation that will result in new buses to reduce congestion, improve air quality and drive economic growth,” said Chris Stoddart, president of North American Bus and Coach. “Our Canadian expansion enhances our ability to deliver for all our customers while reinforcing domestic manufacturing.”
With nearly 9,000 employees in 10 countries, NFI is a global leader in mobility solutions, with offerings that include battery-electric, fuel-cell electric, hybrid-electric and clean diesel buses. The company supports a fleet of more than 100,000 buses and coaches worldwide and manufactures under brands that include New Flyer, MCI, Alexander Dennis, Plaxton, ARBOC and NFI Parts.
