Micro Bird has opened a new $38 million manufacturing facility in Plattsburgh, Clinton County, at the site formerly occupied by Nova Bus. The company, which is a joint venture between Blue Bird Corporation and Girardin, will manufacture both electric and non-electric small and mid-sized school and commercial buses at this location. The opening of the facility is expected to create 350 full-time jobs over five years.
Governor Kathy Hochul attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside local leaders and company executives. She stated, “Today’s grand opening celebration marks a new chapter for Plattsburgh. 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 state supported this project through Empire State Development 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. In addition, Micro Bird received a 640-kilowatt low-cost power allocation from the New York Power Authority under its ReCharge NY program in March. This initiative aims to encourage job retention and creation while promoting capital investment across New York State.
Governor Hochul played an active role in securing Micro Bird as a new occupant for the Banker Road site after Nova Bus’s planned exit from Plattsburgh. She worked directly with Volvo Group—the parent company of Nova Bus—and directed Empire State Development to lead efforts in finding a replacement for the facility.
Micro Bird President and CEO Eric Boulé commented on the opening: “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 added: “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.”
