Van Hool Targets American Transit Market With New U.S. Based Buy America-Compliant Production Facility

FARIBAULT, Minn., Jan. 17, 2018 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Plans are in their final stages for Van Hool to begin building an American-based production facility later this year for the manufacture of diesel-powered transit city buses. ABC and Van Hool agree that offering the premium quality Van Hool line for transit-based applications is a natural product extension and an exciting opportunity for market expansion. As they enter the public market, the partners will target public agencies and private operators.  "We are focused on offering a proven product that can enable rapid market expansion into broader, more diverse service sectors," adds Mr. Dane Cornell, President & CEO at ABC.  Additional private transit applications include providing and augmenting service for municipalities, county, state and federal agencies, corporate employee shuttles, university and school bus shuttles, connector services and more.  Mr. Roman Cornell, ABC Companies Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, adds, "The new Van Hool transit product will offer a potential win-win for all stakeholders."

While Van Hool has enjoyed previous acceptance in the U.S. and Canadian transit markets with upwards of 550 bus deliveries in past years, the new production facility is a conduit for meeting "Buy America" compliance that will establish a strengthened presence in the U.S. market.  A southeastern U.S. location has been selected for the new plant site with plant opening and production commissioning by the year 2020.  The factory will be capable of producing 400 units in its first year of operation and is modeled after Van Hool's state-of-the-art Macedonia production facility where the market-leading Van Hool CX45 and CX35 vehicles are currently fabricated.  Initial production will include diesel-powered vehicles, with plans to quickly ramp up for production and delivery of CNG and electric-powered models to buyers nationwide.

"Our experience and insights over 30 years are forming our vision for this future facility," stated Mr. Filip Van Hool.  "America is our second home," he continued.  "We love the American mind-set and we are fortunate to have a lifetime partner who shares our business philosophy and desire to see and seize new opportunities."

About ABC

ABC Companies is a leading provider to the transportation industry with diverse product and service offerings that cover a full spectrum of operational needs including new and pre-owned full-size highway coach equipment, transit and specialty vehicles.  ABC supports customers with a comprehensive after sale service network for service and repairs, collision services, extensive OEM and quality aftermarket parts needs for transit, motorcoach and heavy-duty equipment from ten strategically placed locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.  Additionally, private and municipal financing and leasing options are available through the company's financial services group. For more information, contact ABC Companies at 800-222-2875 or visit www.abc-companies.com.

About Van Hool

Van Hool is an independent Belgian manufacturer of buses, coaches and utility vehicles. The company, founded in 1947, has its registered office in Koningshooikt, Belgium with a 60-acre manufacturing facility where 2,000 buses are produced annually as well as 5,000 industrial vehicles. The vast majority of production goes to Europe and America. Van Hool employs approximately 4,400 people worldwide, the majority of which are in their production facilities in Koningshooikt, Belgium and Skopje, Macedonia.  www.vanhool.be/nl.

Media Contact: Ashley Cornell, ABC Companies, 407-656-7977, [email protected]

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SOURCE ABC Companies