NFI opens Las Vegas manufacturing facility

Executive Summary

• NFI Group’s subsidiary, Alexander Dennis Ltd. (ADL), officially opened its new U.S. manufacturing facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, marking the first and only facility in the United States dedicated to producing double-deck buses.
• The company delivered the first two of ten ordered Enviro500 double-decker buses to the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) to operate on the "Deuce on The Strip" route.
• The facility represents a $15.3 million investment, currently producing one bus per week with a target ramp-up to 1.5 buses per week by 2026, aiming for an annual capacity of 75 vehicles.

Key Details

• Facility Investment: ADI invested $15.3 million to establish and operate the Las Vegas assembly facility, which is owned and directly operated by Alexander Dennis’s U.S. legal entity.
• Production Capacity: Current production is one bus per week; this is expected to ramp up to 1.5 buses per week through 2026, allowing for a manufacturing output of 75 vehicles per year.
• Local Economic Impact: Over the past 12 months, ADI spent over $5.5 million directly with local suppliers in Southern Nevada. The facility initially created over 115 local jobs, with potential for further employment growth as demand increases.
• Supply Chain Compliance: The buses are "Buy America" compliant, with more than 70% of materials and components sourced from United States-based suppliers.
• Initial Order Details:
  • Customer: Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC).
  • Vehicle Model: Enviro500 double-deck buses.
  • Quantity: 10 buses initially ordered and delivered (first two handed over at opening); 10 additional buses are on order for delivery next year.
  • Previous Fleet: 40 Enviro500 buses previously manufactured in 2020 at ADL’s former U.S. facility are already in the RTC fleet.
• Vehicle Specifications (Enviro500):
  • Dimensions: 42 feet 5 inches (12.9 metres) long; 13 feet 6 inches (4.115 m) tall.
  • Capacity: 100 passengers total.
  • Seating: 51 seats on the upper deck (accessible via two staircases), 15 fixed seats and 7 tip-up seats on the lower deck.
  • Accessibility: Spaces for two wheelchair users.
• Strategic Context: This facility secures the future of double-deck bus manufacturing in North America, building on ADL's history of introducing double-deckers to the region in 2000 (with over 1,300 sold globally since then).

Notable Quotes

• M.J. Maynard-Carey, CEO, RTC: "The grand opening of the Alexander Dennis manufacturing facility is a proud moment for Southern Nevada and a testament to the power of strategic partnerships... As the only site in the country building double-decker buses, this facility not only supports the RTC's mission to provide safe, efficient and innovative transit solutions, but it also brings quality jobs and economic investment to our region."
• Paul Davies, President and Managing Director, Alexander Dennis: "The opening of our new manufacturing facility secures the future of double-deck bus manufacturing in North America as we build on the Enviro500's success and respond to growing interest in this high-capacity transit solution... Today also marks the continuation and expansion of our great partnership with the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada."