NFI Subsidiary Alexander Dennis announces consultation on UK manufacturing strategy

Core Viewpoint - NFI Group Inc. is implementing a new strategy for its UK manufacturing operations through its subsidiary Alexander Dennis Limited, aimed at adapting to changing market dynamics and ensuring financial sustainability [1][6]. Group 1: Manufacturing Strategy - Alexander Dennis plans to consolidate its UK bus body manufacturing operations into a single site in Scarborough, closing the Falkirk site and suspending production lines at Larbert after current contracts are completed [2][4]. - The proposed restructuring is expected to lower overall costs, enhance efficiency by eliminating duplicate functions, and clarify responsibilities within the organization [3]. Group 2: Workforce Impact - The consultation process places up to 400 roles at Alexander Dennis at risk of redundancy, which accounts for approximately 22% of its workforce and 4% of NFI's global workforce [4]. - The company has invested over £1 billion in its domestic supply chain over the past five years, which may also be affected by these changes [4]. Group 3: Customer Support and Quality Focus - Alongside the manufacturing strategy, Alexander Dennis is restructuring its customer support teams to improve quality, reliability, and communication [5]. Group 4: Leadership Perspective - The President & Managing Director of Alexander Dennis emphasized the need for significant actions to drive efficiency and maintain competitiveness in light of challenging market conditions [6]. - Concerns were raised regarding current UK policies that do not incentivize local content or job retention, highlighting a competitive imbalance that needs addressing [7]. Group 5: Company Overview - NFI Group is a leading global bus manufacturer with nearly 9,000 employees across ten countries, offering a wide range of propulsion-agnostic bus and coach platforms, including electric models [8][9]. - The company supports an installed base of over 100,000 buses and coaches worldwide, focusing on sustainable mobility solutions [9].