As reported by Alabama News Center, the city of Anniston is set to get a sizable expansion to its existing New Flyer bus campus. As the first Vehicle Innovation Center (VIC) in North America, New Flyer has paired up with an Alabama city to help shape the way bus technology progresses in the 21st Century.

At over 76,000 square feet, the new addition will give New Flyer nearly 400,000 square feet of working space in their Anniston facility. Their goal is to use the new facility as a manufacturing lab and training area designed to push the boundaries of electric transportation technology.

“Developing safe and sustainable bus technology that Americans can rely on is a key driver behind our investment to create the Vehicle Innovation Center,” said Wayne Joseph, president of New Flyer of America. “By leveraging 50 years of experience in zero-emission bus manufacturing, we look forward to advancing our industry with transit solutions that help preserve the environment while contributing to the development of smart, connected cities.”

New Flyer’s announcement is the latest in a wave of automotive businesses migrating to Alabama. In recent weeks we’ve seen huge announcements from manufacturers like Toyota and Mercedes.

Pointing out what a great addition New Flyer is, Alabama Power Easter Division Vice President Tony Smoke said, “We are proud of the work New Flyer is doing in Anniston and the impact on the entire country’s transportation industry. This expansion is a tremendous example of how existing industry in the region is being elevated and sustained.”

The expansion is expected to be completed in the summer of 2018.