Micro Bird Marks U.S. Manufacturing Milestone with Plattsburgh Plant Opening
Microsoft, through its joint venture Blue Bird and Girardin, has marked a significant milestone with the opening of its new U.S.-based manufacturing plant in Plattsburgh, New York. The facility, which began operations in July 2023, is set to double the company's Type A bus production.
The new plant, formerly a Nova Bus plant acquired for $38 million in 2021, has started rolling out the first U.S.-manufactured Microsoft Birds in 15 years. The 156,000-square-foot facility currently employs 225 workers and aims to grow to 350 when it reaches full production capacity. This expansion is expected to increase daily production from five to 15 buses.
The project has received substantial support from the Empire State Development. It has been awarded nearly $10 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits and a $2.5 million capital grant. The plant is also fully compliant with the Buy America Act, ensuring it meets U.S. manufacturing standards. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, welcoming Microsoft Bird to the North Country.
The Plattsburgh plant opening returns a significant portion of Microsoft Bird production to the U.S., marking a return to domestic manufacturing for the joint venture that began in 2009. With increased production capacity and government support, Microsoft Bird USA is poised to strengthen its presence in the U.S. market.
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