USA
NFI subsidiary Motor Coach Industries (MCI) has shipped the first of nine battery-electric coaches built by its Pembina, North Dakota facility. The company says the production of electric coaches is a major milestone for its Pembina facility. The news follows uncertainty over the plant’s future, after NFI announced in November 2023 that it was continuing operations in North Dakota, having originally announced a planned closure by 2025. After careful deliberations regarding its North American footprint and the significant improvements in market conditions and demand for MCI coaches, the company said it now sees a path to retain the long-standing facility.
Over the past nine months, MCI has made significant infrastructure and labour investments in the factory, which has enabled it to support the completion of electric coaches, including chargers, storage areas, and commissioning areas plus extensive staff training.
“We are pleased to see these first electric coaches come off the assembly line in Pembina following a significant investment in training and infrastructure to support the transition to zero-emission,” said Chris Stoddart, President, for North American Bus and Coach at NFI. “Thank you to the over 120 team members at Pembina for your determination and dedication to MCI over the past few years and I look forward to welcoming more team members as we continue to service our customers.”
“As a major manufacturer and employer in north-east North Dakota, Motor Coach Industries’ investment in the Pembina facility is great news for the region, our state’s economy and the hardworking North Dakotans who keep MCI on the industry’s cutting edge,” said North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. “Innovation drives our economy, and we congratulate MCI and NFI Group on achieving this significant milestone, setting the company up for further success in the future.”
“MCI officially opened its Pembina facility in 1963, marking its entrance into the US coach market,” explained President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Soubry.
“Since then, this facility has manufactured and delivered our market leading products to our customers, and I am thrilled that today it has delivered its first ever electric coach showcasing our evolution as a company and our commitment to clean and sustainable transportation solutions.”
