NFI opens all-Canadian bus manufacturing facility in Winnipeg

The Manitoba government marked the official opening of a new manufacturing facility operated by NFI Group Inc., a project aimed at boosting domestic production, job creation and zero-emission transit.

Premier Wab Kinew said the project underscores Canada’s push to grow its low-carbon economy.

“This project is about putting a ‘Made in Canada’ stamp on the low-carbon economy,” said Kinew. “Here in Manitoba, blue-collar workers are helping drive a safe and healthy future, and companies like NFI are leading the charge. By bringing full bus manufacturing back to Winnipeg, this facility strengthens our domestic supply chain, creates good jobs and reinforces Manitoba’s position at the cutting edge of zero-emission transportation technology.”

The facility allows start-to-finish Canadian bus manufacturing in Winnipeg for the first time in 15 years.

Federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said the project will support jobs and strengthen the supply chain.

“Canada is world-renowned for its manufacturing strength and highly skilled workforce,” said Joly. “New Flyer’s new facility will design, engineer and build the transit buses that Canadians rely on, right here in Winnipeg. This investment will continue to create hundreds of well-paying jobs and strengthen our domestic supply chain through an all-Canadian manufacturing hub.”

The province previously committed $23.4 million toward the expansion, first announced in 2024. The project is expected to create 250 direct jobs and hundreds more indirectly.

“We are extremely proud to officially open our new facility that achieves a strategic goal of enabling complete, start-to-finish Canadian bus manufacturing for Canadian customers,” said John Sapp, president and CEO of NFI Group Inc. “This facility is a major milestone for our company, the province and the country as it creates hundreds of highly skilled jobs and a stronger domestic supply chain, alongside enhanced zero-emission production capabilities.”