A Winnipeg-based bus and motor coach manufacturer has officially opened its newly expanded production facility, marking the first time in more than a decade that start-to-finish bus manufacturing will take place in Winnipeg. Representatives from New Flyer—a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc.—were joined Tuesday by municipal, provincial, and federal officials for the opening ceremony at the Kernaghan Avenue site. “Today is all about showing that Manitoba can be a leader during this historical moment where Canada’s economy is under threat,” Premier Wab Kinew said. “Not only do we have a leader in zero-emission bus manufacturing, but we’re also a leader in fighting for Canadian manufacturing.” In the past, New Flyer constructed bus shells in Winnipeg before sending them all to the U.S. for completion. However, following a joint $38.4 million commitment from the province and federal government in 2024, the expanded facility could be built, allowing the buses destined for Canadian customers to be entirely built in Winnipeg. Paul Soubry, the former president and CEO of NFI Group who now serves as an advisor, said the company worked with the building’s landlord to relocate existing tenants before stripping the facility to its foundation as part of a redevelopment effort. “Whether it’s putting on an engine or a battery pack or hydrogen fuel cells … all the completion of the bus will happen here,” Soubry said. “The last time a bus was completed in Canada was 15 years ago at New Flyer.” Soubry said New Flyer is currently building about 20 bus shells per week in Winnipeg, with five being completed for Canadian customers and the remainder going to the U.S. He added that with final assembly taking place in Canada, components will be sourced domestically whenever possible. However, he noted that certain parts—such as the engines—are not available within the country. New Flyer builds buses for many public transit agencies across the country except for Quebec, Soubry said. The company’s headquarters in Winnipeg employs nearly 3,000 Manitobans, according to a news release from the province.
