SAFE FLEET NEWS

(Pineville, NC) — Growing demand for safety-related school bus products prompts Specialty Manufacturing to relocate from Pineville to Charlotte, adding 25-30 full time positions.

Specialty Manufacturing is the leading manufacturer of crossing and stopping arms for school buses.

“As the school bus slows, a red stop sign mounted near the driver’s window deploys to inform oncoming traffic of the need to come to a complete stop,” says Mike Hagan, Vice President of Specialty Manufacturing. “By far, this is our most recognized school bus product.”

The company’s school bus safety line also includes escape roof hatches, bumper-mounted crossing arms, rear door-mounted driver alert systems, stair treads and door gear mechanisms.

“We are committed to enhancing the safety of the 23.5 million children who ride on public school buses every day,” Hagan said.

Specialty Manufacturing in Pineville produces bumper-mounted crossing arms and side-mounted stop signs for school buses. The company plans to hire 25-30 additional employees by end of year.

While child safety has always been a top concern for schools, Hagan said many school districts held off making large capital expenditures during the economic recession. As the recovery continues, school districts and private fleets are once again starting to purchase new buses.

With the increased product demand and the need to have a more open floor plan, the company plans to be fully operational in their facility located at 13501 South Ridge Drive, in Charlotte, sometime during first quarter 2015.

“Our new expanded manufacturing operation reinforces our commitment to investing in the Charlotte economy,” said Bob Parks, Vice President of Human Resources for Specialty Manufacturing’s parent company, Safe Fleet. “We expect to begin adding the 25-30 manufacturing positions during the fourth quarter of 2014.”

Interviews are slated to begin during October and November 2014.

In addition to manufacturing safety products for buses, the company also markets a variety of products for rail cars including interiors and lighting systems.

Specialty Manufacturing is owned by parent company Safe Fleet, of Belton, MO.

Safe Fleet maintains a portfolio of brands devoted to saving lives and property, reducing accidents, and improving employee efficiency and job satisfaction. These brands include Specialty Manufacturing, Pretoria, Transpec, R•O•M, Bustin, Prime Design, FRC, and FoamPro.

Safe Fleet serves five major fleets types including: bus, rail car, first responder, food and beverage delivery, and work/service trucks. For more information on Safe Fleet or Specialty Manufacturing please visit www.safefleet.net.

###

Media Contact:
Bob Parks, VP of Human Resources, 816-892-3198

Media Notes:
If interested in obtaining before / after imagery, please contact Mike Hagan, Vice President of Specialty Manufacturing, (615) 867-8515 ext. 275