AMF Bruns Expands in Ohio, Investing in Growth and Community
With expanded production space, local investment, and a growing workforce, AMF Bruns is scaling its U.S. presence. Here’s an exclusive first look inside the new Stow, Ohio, HQ.
AMF Bruns national account managers Maritza Valentin and Jeff Allgire stand in the new building’s manufacturing space.
Credit:
Amanda Huggett/School Bus Fleet
3 min to read
AMF Bruns is increasing its U.S. operations by expanding its production space in Stow, Ohio.
The company is making local investments to establish a stronger presence in the community.
A growing workforce is part of AMF Bruns' strategy to support its expanded operations in Ohio.
*Summarized by AI
More than double the size. State-of-the-art manufacturing and office space. Enhanced customer support and an eye on future growth.
Last May, AMF Bruns of America broke ground on brand-new office and manufacturing space in Stow, Ohio, as the company grows in both staff and customer and product demand. Now, less than one year later, the building is complete, and School Bus Fleet was on the scene to check out their new digs during their April 14, 2026, ribbon-cutting and open house.
Ad Loading...
Investing in the land the building is on allows the company to expand down the road should they need to.
Credit:
Amanda Huggett/School Bus Fleet
A Story of Growth and Opportunity Leads to Expansion
Relocating from a former facility in Hudson, the new AMF Bruns building boasts 41,000 square feet, offering the company expanded production capacity and room to grow.
Speaking of growth, several of AMF Bruns’ owners and executives from Germany flew in to celebrate the new U.S. hub. Their shared passion for the North American market and pride in their presence in Ohio was impossible to ignore. Each leader made a point to show their gratitude for the on-site team, partners, and supporters. They recognized the collaborative work of the AMF staff, dedication of customers, and support from the community, especially thanking the city of Stow for the warm welcome.
Peter Haarhuis, AMF Bruns’ CEO, took a moment to reflect on what led to this exciting new step. “It seems only yesterday, in 2013, when we took our first steps and established physical operations in Ohio,” he said. “Since that time, we've grown the company from three 40-foot containers, a one-man show, and three employees starting in Hudson, and now here in this new facility with 33 employees today. It's a beautiful new facility, and we hope to grow another 20% next year.”
"As I see this new building go up, I see so many potentials and so much opportunity for impacting the mobility community in more ways," said Brianna Pauwee, product application specialist at the company.
Credit:
Amanda Huggett/School Bus Fleet
Of course, familiar faces were there as well, including national account managers Maritza Valentin and Jeff Algire and product application specialist Brianna Pauwee.
Joe Esteireiro, operations manager, and other key staff, took the 90-some open house attendees on a tour through the new facility, pointing out the rows of raw materials that easily fit inside and several stations and machines that bring those materials into finished products ready for use.
Ad Loading...
How Does AMF Bruns Support Its Communities as a Global Company?
“AMF Bruns always wanted to be a global player,” said Gerit Bruns, one of the company’s owners. “Years ago, we could work out of Germany and export products to foreign countries. I must admit, the world has changed. The economy is still global, but it needs far more diversification for each market. It is necessary to be local in the global market.”
To demonstrate the company’s support of local communities, they presented a $10,000 check to the Stow-Monroe Falls Community Foundation. “This donation is not just a gesture; it's a promise that we're not only here to do business, but to be a responsible partner and a positive force in the region,” Jan Woltermann, board of trustees member, said.
Stow's mayor, John Pribonic, was happy to welcome AMF Bruns to town.
Credit:
Amanda Huggett/School Bus Fleet
Stow Mayor John Pribonic shared that through the donation, the foundation plans to establish the AMF Bruns Mobility and Accessibility Fund. Grants from this fund will help both private and public accessibility needs and projects in the community. To start, the first investment will go toward sensory swings for Echo Hills and Indian Trail Elementary Schools in the Stow–Munroe Falls City School District.
“Your thoughtful donation will help create an inclusive play space in these schools where children of all abilities can enjoy safe and engaging experiences together,” Pribonic said.
What Else Sets AMF Bruns Apart in the Mobility and Securement Space?
AMF Bruns’ products are Buy America compliant; all its restraints are manufactured in the U.S., and its flooring materials are sourced internationally and assembled in Ohio.
Ad Loading...
Additionally, AMF prides itself on being ISO 9001 registered and certified, meaning its products have been extensively tested and documented and have passed an external audit for safety and quality.
To see more behind-the-scenes looks at their new building, people, products, and processes, check out our photo gallery!
AMF Bruns is a company known for its innovative solutions in mobility and logistics, particularly in the manufacturing of products for wheelchair accessibility and adaptive mobility solutions.
AMF Bruns expanded in Ohio to increase their production capabilities, tap into local resources, and support a growing workforce to enhance their U.S. presence.
The new Stow headquarters provides expanded production space, facilitates local investment, and creates job opportunities, strengthening AMF Bruns' capabilities in serving the U.S. market.
The expansion in Stow, Ohio, is expected to boost local economic activity, provide new job opportunities, and contribute to community development through increased investment.
AMF Bruns aims to continue growing its U.S. operations by increasing production capacity, enhancing workforce skills, and investing in community development as part of its long-term strategy.
Take a behind-the-scenes look at AMF Bruns of America’s new 41,000-square-foot Stow, Ohio, headquarters, featuring advanced manufacturing, expanded space, and future-ready mobility solutions.
While the yellow school bus remains the backbone of student transit, 75% of administrators identify limited transportation access as a major driver of chronic absenteeism. This guide explores how districts are strengthening their fleets by integrating flexible, supplemental solutions to serve students with the most complex needs. Learn how a multimodal approach can bridge service gaps, restore attendance, and support your most vulnerable populations.
First Student and Wichita Public Schools are using behavioral support strategies to improve student ride experiences, while a separate initiative expands access to after-school programs through a bus donation.
What’s changing in special-needs transportation? This year, student transportation operators report a rising need, easing driver shortages, growing tech adoption, and evolving challenges. Sponsored by AMF Bruns of America.
What’s changing in special-needs transportation? This year, student transportation operators report a rising need, easing driver shortages, growing tech adoption, and evolving challenges. Sponsored by AMF Bruns of America.
Brianna Pauwee, a product application specialist at AMF Bruns of America and a wheelchair user, drops in to The Route to share practical securement and training insights, plus the story behind the new “Beyond Mobility” podcast. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
Brianna Pauwee, product application specialist at AMF Bruns of America and a wheelchair user shares practical securement and training insights, plus why she launched the “Beyond Mobility” podcast. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
As the number of students with disabilities and IEPs rises nationwide, transportation teams face growing pressure to stay compliant, confident, and trained. Explore what’s evolving and how to stay on top of it all.
Honoring the exemplary accomplishments of school bus drivers transporting students with disabilities, AMF Bruns of America’s ninth annual National Special-Needs School Bus Driver of the Year Award series is open for nominations!