NFI opens Winnipeg facility for fully Canadian-built electric buses
According to NFI, the facility will increase New Flyer’s capacity in Winnipeg by up to 240 equivalent units per year by 2027, with around four vehicles expected to enter production each week. NFI Group manufactures buses and coaches under brands including New Flyer, Alexander Dennis and MCI.
NFI states that it is the first time in 15 years that New Flyer buses for the Canadian market can be produced domestically from start to finish. The CAD facility forms part of NFI’s ongoing expansion of its manufacturing footprint and was realised with support from federal and provincial funding alongside the company’s own investment. The exact amount is not mentioned.
Construction of the new building began in late 2024, the manufacturer stated. The first vehicles entered production in September 2025, while the first fully Canadian-built bus was delivered to Durham Transit in December. The ribbon cutting took place this week.
The facility will complete heavy-duty transit buses for the Canadian market, including battery-electric vehicles. At the same time, NFI says the move will allow its US plants to focus more strongly on serving customers across the United States.
“We are extremely proud to officially open our new facility that achieves a strategic goal of enabling complete, start-to-finish Canadian bus manufacturing for Canadian customers,” said John Sapp, President and Chief Executive Officer of NFI Group. “This is a major milestone for our company, the province and the country as it creates hundreds of highly skilled jobs and a stronger domestic supply chain, alongside enhanced zero-emission production capabilities.”
The Canadian government also emphasised the strategic importance of domestic manufacturing for clean mobility. “New Flyer’s new facility will design, engineer, and build the transit buses that Canadians rely on – right here in Winnipeg,” said Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Industry. “This investment will continue to create hundreds of well-paying jobs and strengthen our domestic supply chain through an all-Canadian manufacturing hub.”
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew highlighted the role of the facility for low-emission transport. “By bringing full bus manufacturing back to Winnipeg, this facility strengthens our domestic supply chain, creates good jobs, and reinforces Manitoba’s position at the cutting edge of zero-emission transportation technology.”
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