Coach manufacturer Prevost just won the largest contract in its history with New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to build 381 coaches worth more than $447 million.
The contract includes a firm order of 250 buses for delivery between 2025 and 2026, as well as options to purchase an additional 131 buses. The model produced is the X3-45, used for inter-suburban public transport.
The production rate will increase to four coaches per day at Prevost's main factory in Sainte-Claire in the coming months. Diane Tremblay
This contract will make it possible to retain and hire almost 150 new employees in Sainte-Claire, in the Bellechasse region, from 2024.
“What better time to make this announcement, a few days before the holidays! We couldn't imagine a nicer gift. A little over a year ago, Prevost's people began intensive discussions with the MTA, which oversees urban transportation throughout New York City, with the goal of participating in a major bidding process. One year later, we are all gathered here to celebrate,” said President François Tremblay.
Coaches built in Quebec
This historic contract from the largest public transportation company in North America is good news for Prevost. The vehicles are 100 percent built in Sainte-Claire, Quebec.
According to Mr. Tremblay, this contract is funded by New York State and not the federal government, “which allowed New York State to have the vehicles built outside the country,” contrary to the rules set forth in the Buy American Act.
“We even repatriated parts that we subsequently manufactured in the U.S. to bring back to suppliers in Quebec. So this will benefit all of Quebec,” assured the president.
François Tremblay, President of Prevost. Diane Tremblay
Advantageous spin-offs can therefore be expected for the numerous Quebec suppliers of the Volvo Group company. The production rate will be increased to produce four coaches per day in the coming months.
“This is great news for everyone. We are very happy. Every week we see new people working here. Nowadays we often hear about layoffs elsewhere, in other companies. It’s reassuring for us and our families,” said William Gagnon, an employee.
The conclusion of the contract will create almost 150 jobs in various industries. Manufacturing will be 100 percent in Quebec. Diane Tremblay
“I am very proud that Prevost is receiving a nearly half-billion dollar contract with New York State, the largest in its history. Prevost is a company from the Bellechasse region that has embodied Quebec's know-how in public transport for almost 100 years. “Today’s announcement is excellent news,” Quebec Premier François Legault added in a video message.
Several personalities were present on Tuesday for the announcement of the receipt of a historic contract at Prevost in Sainte-Claire. Diane Tremblay
Number of employees at Prevost
- 1704 Canada and United States;
- In Sainte-Claire alone there are 1,087 employees, 16% of whom are women;
- The company was founded in 1924 by Eugène Prévost;
- The X3-45 model will be produced under this historic contract.
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