C.E. White Locates New Operations in Reno Co.

Supplier to Collins Bus Locates New Operations in Reno County

HUTCHINSON, Kansas (July 15, 2008) - - Today Collins Bus Corporation, North America’s leading producer of Type-A buses, announced a multi-year partnership with seat manufacturer C.E. White Company. Headquartered in New Washington, OH, C.E. White Co. specializes in innovative technology for school bus seats.

“Collins Bus Corporation is excited about entering into this strategic partnership with C.E. White.   The commitment C.E. White has made to produce our Collins Bus Corporation proprietary seat for Collins, Mid Bus, and Corbeil product lines has been tremendous. As a leading seat manufacturer in the United States, they have the proven expertise to provide our company with the highest quality seats in the industry,” said Kent Tyler, president of Collins Bus Corporation.

C.E. White Co. will establish a 29,000 square foot satellite assembly plant at the industrial park on K-96, near Yoder. This facility will serve not only Collins Bus Corporation but also other customers in the region. The satellite plant will hire 10 employees in the first year with plans to employ up to 75 over the next few years.

“The C.E. White Company is excited about this partnership with Collins Bus as we see our organizations are on a similar path in their development. The Collins Bus team and the local community have been fantastic to work with in the development of this project, and we look forward to many years of establishing ourselves in the local community,” said Tony Everett, president and CEO of C.E. White Co. 

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce worked with C.E. White Co. to assist with locating a building and to provide workforce training options as well as to connect them with local employment agencies. In addition, the Chamber helped the company obtain incentives from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

C.E. White Co. is currently accepting applications for assembly workers. According to Everett, the company believes in the spirit of ownership, employee empowerment, and sharing. They grant bonuses to every level of employee because they have found that those closest to the work can make the most knowledgeable decisions. Interested individuals may apply at Manpower, charlotte.summers@na.manpower.com or 665-5213, or The Arnold Group, mtaylor@the-arnold-group.com or 663-5124.

RELEASED BY:
Holly Schmidt, Director of Communications/Special Events
hollys@hutchchamber.com