Blue Bird to Invest $300 Million in Fort Valley Plant and Add 375 Jobs

Blue Bird plans to invest an estimated $300 million in a new manufacturing facility in Fort Valley, Georgia, creating 375 jobs over the next three years, Gov. Brian Kemp announced on October 21, 2026. Yahoo reported the expansion, which the school bus maker said will add hiring for manufacturing, operations and technician roles.

Kemp Announces Blue Bird's Fort Valley Investment

Blue Bird is a school bus manufacturer that has operated in Peach County for nearly a century, according to American City Business Journals, which also reported the $300 million figure and the 375 jobs. The company is one of the nation's largest school bus manufacturers, the outlet said.

Kemp tied the investment to the company's long history in the state. "For nearly 100 years, Blue Bird has been an incredible part of Georgia's story, and now that story will continue to be written for years to come," he said.

Fort Valley Mayor Shakeena B. Reeves described the relationship between the company and the city as mutual. "Blue Bird helped build Fort Valley, and the people of Fort Valley helped build Blue Bird," Reeves said in a statement.

BJ Walker, director of the Development Authority of Peach County, said the company's mission has remained consistent. "As things have changed over time, to still be basically making school buses and serving the same purpose, which is to get kids home to and from school every day safe ... Still the same mission for that period of time," Walker said.

Walker said the jobs matter for what a paycheck can support. "It's important for all counties to have opportunity ... To continue to provide opportunities for good-paying jobs that allow them to purchase a home, a vehicle, and raise a family," he said. He added that the effect will reach beyond the plant gates, to "the additional restaurant worker or construction worker needed in the community."

Walker, who also serves on the board of education, said the school bus business holds steady even when the economy does not. "When things are going up and down, typically people are still buying school buses," he said. He said Blue Bird has stayed rooted locally through its foundation, community events and work with the school system, adding, "You couldn't ask for a better corporate partner than Blue Bird."

Neighbors who live directly behind the plant declined to speak on camera but told 13WMAZ they believe the expansion will be good for the community.

Blue Bird's Recent Credit and Production Moves

On October 17, 2026, Simply Wall St reported that Blue Bird locked in a $600 million senior secured credit facility, replacing its prior $250 million structure and extending maturity to September 2031.

On October 12, 2026, MarketScreener reported that Blue Bird plans to expand production to 14,000 vehicles, including 5,000 electric, by converting its Georgia plant and acquiring Groupe Girardin's stake in Micro Bird.

On October 13, 2026, FinancialContent Business Page reported that Blue Bird reduced its average cycle time from 16 to 14 days after adopting LightSource's AI-native operating system for direct materials.

Construction and Hiring Timeline

Construction on the new facility is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027. Blue Bird will hire for manufacturing, operations and technician roles, with openings listed at blue-bird.com/careers.