Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD), a leading producer of low and zero emission school buses, has announced the company has been awarded an $80 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to enhance its electric vehicle manufacturing and workforce development. 

The grant will help Blue Bird convert a former diesel motorhome manufacturing site in Georgia, into a 600,000 square foot electric vehicle facility. The new facility will boost the production of Type-D electric school buses to meet increasing demand.

The grant is part of a $2 billion U.S. initiative to convert automotive facilities for electric vehicle production, retain and expand manufacturing jobs, and strengthen domestic supply chains. The $80 million grant covers 50% of the $160 million needed for Blue Bird's project. 

Blue Bird is one of 11 selectees, including Cummins, Blue Bird’s supply chain partner for electric vehicle powertrains.

Phil Horlock, CEO of Blue Bird stated: “We are delighted that the U.S. Department of Energy supports our plant conversion project above the many applications that were submitted. The grant will enable Blue Bird to reinvest in middle Georgia, building on a site that previously manufactured high-end motorhomes.”

Blue Bird is a proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 20,000 buses in operation today. The Company is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions.

Shares of Blue Bird trade on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol BLBD.