FORT VALLEY, Ga. — Blue Bird Corp. recognized 16 suppliers for outstanding performance and product excellence at the school bus OEM's annual Supplier Conference.

Blue Bird presented its 2013 Supplier of the Year award to ROUSH CleanTech, manufacturer of propane autogas fuel systems and tanks. Officials said that throughout 2013, Blue Bird’s exclusive partnership with ROUSH CleanTech provided school districts across North America with environmentally friendly and cost-effective propane autogas school buses.

Winners of the Outstanding Supplier Award were:

• Allison Transmission
• Chicago Expert Importers
• Cummins Emission Solutions
• Cummins Inc.
• Dana Holding Corp.
• DeKalb Tool and Die Inc.
• Ford Component Sales
• Hankook Tire America Corp.
• HSM Transportation Solutions
• Neovia Logistics
• Piedmont Plastics
• Quality Drive Away Inc.
• SoundOff Commercial Vehicle Products
• St. Clair Technologies Inc.
• Sunrise Wheel Corp.

Also, Blue Bird gave special recognition to suppliers that officials said "went the extra mile." Allison Transmission was recognized for reliability; Neovia Logistics was recognized for total cost management; ROUSH CleanTech was recognized for its collaboration; and St. Clair Technologies was recognized for its commitment to innovation.

“Blue Bird is honored to present these outstanding suppliers with their respective awards,” said Trey Jenkins, vice president of purchasing and supplier quality. “For the past year, these suppliers have provided Blue Bird with superior performance related to cost, quality, delivery and technology.”

ROUSH CleanTech President Joe Thompson said that Blue Bird and ROUSH CleanTech "have successfully provided school buses fueled by economical, clean, American-made propane autogas. It’s been our privilege to be Blue Bird’s partner, and we are honored to receive this year’s Supplier of the Year award.”

Shawn Machak, sales manager for St. Clair Technologies, said of Blue Bird's innovation award, "Innovation is a key to our mutual success in providing products that support our most cherished possessions, our children.”

Curt Fischer, manager of transportation operations for Neovia Logistics, said of Blue Bird's total cost management honor, "Through careful collaboration and open communication, we have been able to grow our relationship beyond a customer and provider relationship, to a true partnership between our two companies. This has resulted in many positive cost savings and new initiatives.”