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Blue Bird Recognizes Suppliers at 2016 Blue Bird Supplier Conference

BLBD | November 16, 2016

Blue Bird Recognizes Suppliers at 2016 Blue Bird Supplier Conference

Leading bus manufacturer names Hendrickson as Supplier of the Year

Blue Bird, the leading independent designer and manufacturer of school buses, invited over 100 of their top suppliers to their annual supplier conference held on September 13. In addition to sharing the company’s performance in 2016 and objectives for 2017, Blue Bird recognized several companies as an “Outstanding Supplier” for superior service and support in their respective product category. Of these companies, Hendrickson was named the “Supplier of the Year” for their performance during 2016.

“We continually seek suppliers that are on the forefront of technology and innovation. Better materials, improved manufacturing processes, safety enhancements, and assembly technologies are just a few areas that we constantly investigate in order to exceed customers’ expectations,” says Phil Horlock, President and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “Hendrickson is a great example of a partner that pursues ways to leverage technology and drive efficiencies. Not only do they demonstrate outstanding quality and service, but bring us designs that reduce weight and enhance fuel economy, as well as products that improve performance for our drivers and passengers.”

Hendrickson offers the Comfort Air rear air suspension and the STEERTEK NXT front steer axle, along with steel leaf spring suspensions, for the T3RE, T3FE and Vision bus products under Blue Bird’s product line. They have participated in conjunction with Blue Bird at industry events in 2016, such as STN Expo in Reno, NV and the NAPT Summit in Kansas City, MO.

Suppliers receiving “2016 Outstanding Supplier” recognition for their respective category include:

Alliance Steel received recognition as the 2016 Outstanding Supplier for Metals, Bergstrom received recognition as the 2016 Outstanding Supplier for Systems & Assemblies, Certified Safety Manufacturing received recognition as the 2016 Outstanding Supplier for Mechanical, E&R Industrial, Inc. received recognition as the 2016 Outstanding Supplier for MRO Production Products, East Penn Mfg. Co. received recognition as the 2016 Outstanding Supplier for Components, Hankook Tire America received recognition as the 2016 Outstanding Supplier for Polymers, PPG Industries, Inc. received recognition as the 2016 Outstanding Supplier for Components, Quality Driveaway received recognition as the 2016 Outstanding Supplier for MRO Services, ROUSH CleanTech received recognition as the 2016 Outstanding Supplier for Powertrain, Schwartz Precision received recognition as the 2016 Outstanding Supplier for Fabrications, and SoundOff CCP received recognition as the 2016 Outstanding Supplier for Parts & Service.

Blue Bird congratulates these suppliers for their dedication and support of Blue Bird products and services. For more information on these outstanding partners or the advantages they bring to Blue Bird’s offering, visit your local Blue Bird Dealer or www.blue-bird.com.

About Blue Bird Corporation

Blue Bird (Nasdaq: BLBD) is the leading independent designer and manufacturer of school buses, with more than 550,000 buses sold since its formation in 1927 and approximately 180,000 buses in operation today. Blue Bird’s longevity and reputation in the school bus industry have made it an iconic American brand. Blue Bird distinguishes itself from its principal competitors by its singular focus on the design, engineering, manufacture and sale of school buses and related parts. As the only manufacturer of chassis and body production specifically designed for school bus applications, Blue Bird is recognized as an industry leader for school bus innovation, safety, product quality/reliability/durability, operating costs and drivability. In addition, Blue Bird is the market leader in alternative fuel applications with its propane-powered and compressed natural gas-powered school buses. Blue Bird manufactures school buses at two facilities in Fort Valley, Georgia. Its Micro Bird joint venture operates a manufacturing facility in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada. Service and after-market parts are distributed from Blue Bird’s parts distribution center located in Delaware, Ohio. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete line of buses, visit www.blue-bird.com.