Thomas Built invests $11.8M to expand C2 production
The investment will increase capacity and add up to 236 new jobs to Thomas Built Buses’ Saf-T-Liner C2 operations.

A new investment will increase capacity and add up to 236 new jobs to Thomas Built Buses’ Saf-T-Liner C2 operations.
HIGH POINT, N.C. — Thomas Built Buses is investing $11.8 million to increase capacity and add up to 236 new jobs to its Saf-T-Liner C2 operations.
The investment will expand C2 bus production at Thomas Built’s headquarters and production facility in High Point by upwards of 25%, company officials said.
The expansion of the company’s C2 operations and fabrication parts producing capabilities was supported by about $66,100 in economic incentives granted from Randolph County and the city of Archdale.
Also, $300,000 was granted by the city of High Point and Guilford County to support future growth, economic development and jobs in the High Point area that will be provided by Thomas Built’s investment in jobs, production expansion, robotics, health, safety and operational enhancements.
Thomas Built will also invest in additional training and lean processes to enhance continuous improvement and augment employees’ knowledge base, company officials said.
“Since 1916, High Point has been home to Thomas Built Buses, and we are thrilled to contribute to the local economic expansion,” Thomas Built President Kelley Platt said. “This new wave of investment will allow us to hire up to 236 individuals in varying disciplines as well as invest in our production infrastructures to better streamline our production process.”
Announcement of the investment follows the recent news that union workers at Thomas Built’s High Point facility ratified a new four-year contract.
More Management

What Happens to a School Bus After Retirement? First Student Has a New Answer
Through a new partnership with Advanced Remarketing Services, proceeds from retired vehicle sales will support Special Olympics and other community-focused organizations while advancing sustainability goals.
Read More →
School Bus Logistics Adds 3 Data Analysts, Expands Routing Capabilities
Three new data analysts and a BusRight certification bring an added layer of support to the routing services districts already use.
Read More →
Outsourcing Student Transportation Services Toolkit
Did you know nearly 40% of school districts utilize a private contractor to serve their transportation needs? Explore why more school leaders are turning to contracted transportation services, and how outsourcing can create meaningful value without sacrificing control. Discover the practical benefits of a transportation services platform that provides flexibility with coordination.
Read More →
EverDriven Debuts TripCentral as New District Transportation Portal
The new transportation management hub takes over the district portal to power trip planning, operations, visibility, and intelligence for school district transportation needs.
Read More →
Lessons Learned from 4 Decades in Transportation: 5 Questions with Craig Beaver
Sit down with longtime transportation leader Craig Beaver moments before he retires, as he reflects on his career leading up to his role at Beaverton School District in Oregon and the secrets to leading great teams.
Read More →
BusRight Honors Texas Driver With Inaugural Behind The Wheel Award
Selected from more than 300 nominations, Lawson Crook earned BusRight’s inaugural award for his dedication to students and safety.
Read More →Craig Beaver’s Final Stop: Lessons from 43 Years in Transportation
After more than four decades in transportation, retiring Beaverton School District director Craig Beaver reflects on leadership, alternative fuels, AI, staffing, and what’s coming next. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
Read More →What 43 Years in Transportation Taught Craig Beaver About Leadership
After more than four decades in transportation, retiring Beaverton School District admin Craig Beaver reflects on leadership, alternative fuels, AI, staffing, and what’s coming next.
Read More →
ASTP's Tod Eskra Named an Entrepreneur of the Year
The award from Ernst & Young honors visionary leadership behind one of America's fastest-growing student transportation contracting companies.
Read More →
Drivers and Technicians: Help Benchmark Today's School Bus Manufacturers
If you've spent time behind the wheel or under the hood, we want to hear your perspective on the buses you know best.
Read More →



