JAMESTOWN, N.Y. -- New Flyer Industries, a Canada-based transit and coach-bus manufacturer with nationwide name recognition, including in New York City, was officially welcomed Thursday to Jamestown.
"This is significant. It telegraphs that this place matters. This is where the future lies and the work that you're doing with these buses is absolutely incredible," said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York.
The company is the first START-UP New York initiative in Chautauqua County.
"This program is the reason the company came to New York state. In their words, said it gave them a competitive advantage. That's what we want to hear," said Hochul.
The company occupies a large portion of the old Quality Markets on Fluvanna Avenue, and leases space from property-owner Shults Auto Group. New Flyer brings with it about 40 new jobs to help drive the local economy.
"A textbook example of how things, good things happen in this community. It happened through teamwork, and the team starts with a great business and a great workforce," said Mayor Sam Teresi, D-Jamestown.
The new Jamestown facility is one of a handful of New Flyer's manufacturing sites in North America. Company leaders credit the state and others for helping it invest in the community and not just a piece of property.
"We invest in our people, we invest in our facilities, we invest in our equipment, we invest in training, and that is the opportunity we have here in Jamestown," said Kevin Wood, New Flyer Industries Manufacturing VP
As part of START-UP NY, New Flyer is also working with local college students interested in manufacturing.