Micro Bird Officially Opens at Former Nova Bus Site, Bringing at Least 350 Jobs to Clinton County
Governor Kathy Hochul today joined local leaders and company executives to cut the ribbon on Micro Bird’s new U.S. manufacturing facility in Plattsburgh, Clinton County. Micro Bird — a joint venture between Blue Bird Corporation and Girardin, the largest manufacturer of small school buses in North America — has officially launched operations at the former Nova Bus facility on Banker Road, which the company repurposed following Nova Bus’s planned exit from Plattsburgh.
“Today’s grand opening celebration marks a new chapter for Plattsburgh,” Governor Hochul said. “We are proud to welcome Micro Bird to the North Country, where the company is tapping into our skilled workforce, thriving transportation cluster, and major regional investments. This new facility strengthens the local economy, creates good jobs, and builds a brighter future for the region and all of New York.”
The new facility, which will build both electric and non-electric small and mid-sized school and commercial buses, represents a $38 million investment in capital expenses and training and will create 350 full-time jobs over five years. Empire State Development is supporting the project with up to $9.825 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits and a $2.5 million capital grant, recommended by the North Country Regional Economic Development Council. Additionally, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) awarded Micro Bird a 640-kilowatt low-cost power allocation under the ReCharge NY program to support the project in March. ReCharge NY is strengthening New York State’s economy by encouraging companies to retain and create jobs, while sparking capital investment throughout the state.
Governor Hochul personally ensured a strong future for the Banker Road site, engaging directly with the Volvo Group — the parent company of Nova Bus — and directing Empire State Development to spearhead efforts to secure a new occupant. That effort culminated today with the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking a new chapter for the facility and the community.
Micro Bird President and CEO Eric Boulé said, “This grand opening is a proud moment for our entire team. With our new facility, we are doubling our production capacity and bringing high-quality, long-lasting buses closer to our U.S. customers. Plattsburgh was the perfect choice — offering a skilled workforce, proximity to major markets, and a strong manufacturing ecosystem. We are deeply grateful to our employees and to the unwavering support from New York State and local partners. We look forward to contributing to the region’s growth and success for many years to come.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Today’s ribbon cutting for Micro Bird’s new facility in Clinton County marks an exciting milestone that will strengthen New York’s transportation manufacturing sector and provide good jobs for the region’s skilled workforce. This project would not have been possible without Governor Hochul’s direct involvement, and its success is a win for the North Country and all of New York State.”
Read the full press release here.