Elkhart Coach

Driving Forward: Forest River Bus Acquires Collins Bus, Pioneers Unite in School Bus Innovation

Elkhart, Ind., January 29, 2024 - In a landmark development reshaping the landscape of school bus manufacturing, Forest River Bus, LLC., a subsidiary of Forest River, Inc., has made waves with its recent acquisition of Collins Bus, a stalwart in American school bus construction. With over half a century of history under its belt, Collins Bus stands as a cornerstone in the industry, renowned for pioneering the development of Type A school buses esteemed for their unparalleled safety, durability, and reliability.

Founded in 1967 in Kansas City, Missouri, Collins Bus later made its home in Hutchinson, Kansas, where it continued to revolutionize school transportation. The introduction of their Type A school bus marked a pivotal moment in the industry's evolution, catalyzing a series of advancements that solidified Collins buses as the gold standard in versatility and trustworthiness nationwide.

Pete Liegl, the President and CEO of Forest River, Inc., expressed his elation regarding the acquisition, hailing it as a monumental milestone in the company's upward trajectory. Liegl underscored the exceptional performance of Forest River's Bus and Van division, foreseeing the integration of Collins Bus as further propelling the division's standing within the industry.

David Wright, President of Forest River Bus, echoed Liegl's sentiments, exuding enthusiasm for the collaborative venture between the two esteemed brands. Wright lauded the legacy of Collins Bus and the unwavering dedication of its workforce, emphasizing their intrinsic value as pivotal elements of the acquisition. He emphasized Forest River's commitment not only to maintaining the superior quality and reliability of Collins buses but also to implementing innovative strategies aimed at enhancing product offerings.

The acquisition by Forest River symbolizes a mutual dedication to upholding the highest standards of manufacturing, customer service, and product innovation within the school bus industry. Forest River is steadfast in its commitment to preserving the esteemed legacy of Collins Bus while incorporating its own pioneering techniques to further elevate product quality and customer satisfaction.

This historic acquisition heralds a new era in the evolution of school bus manufacturing, uniting two industry titans under a shared banner of safety, innovation, and excellence. As Forest River and Collins Bus forge ahead in unison, the future of school transportation shines brighter than ever, promising continued advancements in safety, reliability, and efficiency for students and communities nationwide. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, Forest River is poised to redefine the standards of excellence in the school bus industry, ensuring that every journey is a safe and reliable one for generations to come.