SEDCOR - Supreme- March 09

For Immediate Release

May 17, 2009

Woodburn Factory takes on Production of Shuttle Buses
Leaders get a close look • Expansion will add 18 jobs

By Ruth Liao • Statesman Journal

Supreme Northwest officials said they expect to add more jobs after production kicks into full gear. The Woodburn facility began producing the StarTrans bus line in January.

The plant currently employs 52 people, Supreme Northwest general manager Fred Ballowe said.

On Tuesday, the company hosted an open house, which drew state and county leaders in transportation and business development.

"We look forward to growing the business," company president Bob Wilson said.

The shuttle buses can be built to suit hotels, retirement communities or churches, said Kimberly Stanchfield, a saleswoman with EK Coaches, which is the commercial retailer selling the buses.

The buses also could be used for transit services to serve the elderly and disabled, such as Dial-A-Ride, or for rural to metropolitan routes, such as Chemeketa Area Regional Transportation System, or CARTS.

The buses range from 20 feet to 28 feet in length, and can seat five to 25 passengers, Stanchfield said. Wheelchair lifts also can be added.

The expansion of the factory also was backed by state and local economic development leaders.

Oregon and Marion County contributed about $100,000 in economic development funds toward the expansion, said Tom Fox, the business development officer with the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department.

Fox's department recruited Supreme Northwest to Woodburn about five years ago.

Marion County's economic advisory board recommended funding for $40,000, which was matched by $60,000 of state strategic reserve funds, Fox said. The money went toward creating fiberglass molds and patterns for the bodies of the shuttle buses, Fox said.

Supreme Northwest chose Miles Fiberglass & Composites of Oregon City as a local fiberglass supplier.

Tom Beard, the vice president of operations, said the company made the decision to begin shuttle bus production last November. Company leaders saw a slowdown in its existing commercial truck manufacturing business in Woodburn and a rising interest in public transit, particularly when consumer gas prices hit the $4-a-gallon mark.

The shuttles may be poised for purchase by Oregon communities who tap into federal stimulus dollars, said Joni Bramlett, Capitol project manager for the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Oregon is set to administer $14.6 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act toward public transit projects, Bramlett said. That grant process is expected to be completed by April.

Supreme Northwest is one of the bidders on the state contract.

Bramlett said the proximity of the Woodburn plant would help keep costs down by saving on shipping.

"We're very excited to have production so close," Bramlett said.

Company Profile

Supreme Northwest expanded its production line to make StarTrans shuttle buses at its Woodburn facility. Supreme Northwest's parent company is Supreme Industries, based in Goshen, Ind.

The company also manufactures armored vehicles, luxury motorcoaches and commercial trucks.

The StarTrans bus division began manufacturing in 1983.

rliao@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 589-6941


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For Immediate Release May 17, 2009 Woodburn Factory takes on Production of Shuttle Buses Leaders get a close look • Expansion will add 18 jobs By Ruth Liao • Statesman Journal Supreme Northwest officials said they expect to add more jobs after production kicks into full gear. The Woodburn facility began producing the StarTrans bus line in January. The plant currently employs 52 people, Supreme Northwest general manager Fred Ballowe said. On Tuesday, the company hosted an open house, which drew state and county leaders in transportation and business development. "We look forward to growing the business," company president Bob Wilson said. The shuttle buses can be built to suit hotels, retirement communities or churches, said Kimberly Stanchfield, a saleswoman with EK Coaches, which is the commercial retailer selling the buses. The buses also could be used for transit services to serve the elderly and disabled, such as Dial-A-Ride, or for rural to metropolitan routes, such as Chemeketa Area Regional Transportation System, or CARTS. The buses range from 20 feet to 28 feet in length, and can seat five to 25 passengers, Stanchfield said. Wheelchair lifts also can be added. The expansion of the factory also was backed by state and local economic development leaders. Oregon and Marion County contributed about $100,000 in economic development funds toward the expansion, said Tom Fox, the business development officer with the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department. Fox's department recruited Supreme Northwest to Woodburn about five years ago. Marion County's economic advisory board recommended funding for $40,000, which was matched by $60,000 of state strategic reserve funds, Fox said. The money went toward creating fiberglass molds and patterns for the bodies of the shuttle buses, Fox said. Supreme Northwest chose Miles Fiberglass & Composites of Oregon City as a local fiberglass supplier. Tom Beard, the vice president of operations, said the company made the decision to begin shuttle bus production last November. Company leaders saw a slowdown in its existing commercial truck manufacturing business in Woodburn and a rising interest in public transit, particularly when consumer gas prices hit the $4-a-gallon mark. The shuttles may be poised for purchase by Oregon communities who tap into federal stimulus dollars, said Joni Bramlett, Capitol project manager for the Oregon Department of Transportation. Oregon is set to administer $14.6 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act toward public transit projects, Bramlett said. That grant process is expected to be completed by April. Supreme Northwest is one of the bidders on the state contract. Bramlett said the proximity of the Woodburn plant would help keep costs down by saving on shipping. "We're very excited to have production so close," Bramlett said. Company Profile Supreme Northwest expanded its production line to make StarTrans shuttle buses at its Woodburn facility. Supreme Northwest's parent company is Supreme Industries, based in Goshen, Ind. The company also manufactures armored vehicles, luxury motorcoaches and commercial trucks. The StarTrans bus division began manufacturing in 1983. rliao@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 589-6941