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Driving Forward: Forest River Bus Acquires Collins Bus, Pioneers Unite in School Bus Innovation
The acquisition of Collins Bus by Forest River Bus LLC marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the school bus manufacturing industry. As a subsidiary of Forest River Inc., the company continues to expand its footprint through strategic growth initiatives aimed at strengthening its Bus and Van division. This move reflects a forward-looking vision focused on enhancing product offerings, operational efficiency, and long-term market leadership.
With a legacy dating back to 1967, Collins Bus has long been recognized as a pioneer in Type A school bus production. Originally founded in Kansas City, Missouri, and later headquartered in Hutchinson, Kansas, Collins Bus has built a reputation for safety, durability, and reliability. Its innovations have played a defining role in shaping modern school transportation standards across the United States.
Strategic Growth and Leadership Vision
The acquisition underscores the leadership vision of Pete Liegl, who has identified continued growth within the bus manufacturing sector as a key priority. By integrating Collins Bus into its operations, Forest River aims to leverage decades of engineering expertise while expanding its product portfolio. This strategic alignment is expected to further strengthen Forest River’s competitive position in the industry.
David Wright, President of Forest River Bus, emphasized the importance of collaboration in this transition. He highlighted the value of Collins Bus’s skilled workforce and longstanding reputation, noting that these elements are critical to maintaining consistency in product quality while driving innovation. The leadership team remains focused on ensuring a seamless integration process that benefits customers, employees, and stakeholders alike.
A Unified Future in School Bus Innovation
The combination of these two industry leaders represents a shared commitment to advancing safety, reliability, and innovation in school transportation. By bringing together established manufacturing practices with new technological approaches, Forest River is well-positioned to enhance product performance and meet evolving customer demands.
Looking ahead, the integration of Collins Bus into Forest River’s operations is expected to foster continued advancements in vehicle design, safety features, and operational efficiency. This unified approach not only preserves the legacy of Collins Bus but also sets the stage for a new era of excellence, ensuring that school transportation remains safe, dependable, and forward-thinking for generations to come.
