NFI Group Inc. hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony to open new mfg. facility
March 5, 2026
by CM Staff
The event marked the next phase of NFI’s ongoing manufacturing expansion, following significant federal and provincial investment, alongside NFI’s internal funding.
Talking Points
NFI Group Inc. officially opened its new Customer Acceptance and Delivery facility in Winnipeg, marking a major expansion of domestic heavy-duty transit vehicle manufacturing, including zero-emission buses, on Thursday.
The facility, built with federal, provincial and internal investment, allows NFI to complete full Canadian production of transit vehicles. Construction began in late 2024, with the first buses entering production in September 2025. NFI said the site will expand New Flyer’s capacity by up to 240 units annually by 2027 and create hundreds of skilled jobs.
Company president John Sapp said the facility achieves a strategic goal of start-to-finish Canadian bus manufacturing. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew attended the ribbon-cutting, highlighting the project’s role in strengthening Canada’s supply chain and advancing zero-emission technology.
- NFI’s Winnipeg facility enables full domestic production of heavy-duty and zero-emission buses
- Expansion supported by federal, provincial and company investment
- Facility expected to add up to 240 units per year and create hundreds of jobs by 2027
The new facility matters for Canadians as it boosts local manufacturing, supports clean transportation goals and strengthens the national supply chain for transit vehicles.
(Credit: GlobeNewswire)
WINNIPEG — NFI Group Inc. celebrated a milestone with the official ribbon-cutting of its new Customer Acceptance and Delivery (CAD) facility in Winnipeg.
The event marked the next phase of NFI’s ongoing manufacturing expansion, following significant federal and provincial investment, alongside NFI’s internal funding. The CAD facility enables NFI to reportedly complete full domestic production of heavy-duty transit vehicles, including zero-emission buses in Winnipeg.
Construction of the CAD facility reportedly began in late 2024, and the first buses entered production in September 2025. NFI stated that the new facility expands New Flyer’s production capacity “by up to 240 equivalent units per annum by 2027, with four line entries expected per week.” It also enables New Flyer’s U.S. facilities to reportedly increase their focus on supporting production for customers across America.
“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, 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.”
“Canada is world-renowned for its manufacturing strength and highly skilled workforce,” said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “New Flyer’s new facility will design, engineer, and build the transit buses that Canadians rely on – right here in Winnipeg. This investment will continue to create hundreds of well-paying jobs and strengthen our domestic supply chain through an all-Canadian manufacturing hub.”
“This project is about putting a ‘Made in Canada’ stamp on the low-carbon economy. Here in Manitoba, blue-collar workers are helping drive a safe and healthy future, and companies like NFI are leading the charge,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “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.”
The ribbon-cutting event included Mélanie Joly, Ginette Lavack, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for St. Boniface–St. Vital, Ben Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, City of Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, CUTRIC President and CEO Dr. Josipa Petrunic, NFI President and CEO John Sapp, former NFI President and CEO Paul Soubry, Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle, and leadership from the IAM Union.
