Optronics International, America’s largest offshore vehicle lighting manufacturer, announced that it has been named exclusive lighting supplier to Collins Bus Corporation. According to Collins’ officials, the move comes amid the school bus manufacturer’s renewed commitment to increasing efficiency, while maintaining its exceptional quality standards.
In preface to designing its newest Type A school bus, Collins conducted extensive research among drivers, mechanics, transportation directors, contractors and parents across North America. Maintaining the highest safety standards was paramount among the participant feedback, followed closely by issues of affordability, flexibility, visibility and serviceability.
“Optronics has demonstrated an exceptional interest in serving our needs as an OE. Their broad product line, coupled with their custom engineering capabilities, gives us ultimate design flexibility and improved vehicle serviceability,” Matt Scheuler, president of Collins Bus Corporation, says. “Our focus at Collins has always been to provide the safest, most reliable and highest-quality Type A buses in the marketplace. Having a sole lighting supplier like Optronics, known for its quality products, enhances our vehicles and our customers satisfaction.”
Optronics was already highly regarded for its work with Allied Specialty Vehicles (ASV), the parent company of Collins Bus and North America’s largest manufacturer of emergency vehicles and small buses, as well as the leading manufacturer of recreational vehicles, terminal trucks and street sweepers. ASV has named Optronics as one of its key suppliers for its Champion Bus, ElDorado National and Goshen Coach brands.
“We’re excited and honored to be selected as the sole lighting supplier by Collins Bus,” Brett Johnson, president and CEO of Optronics International, says. “Optronics is committed to serving customers like Collins and ASV by delivering more innovative products and greater value, while setting industry standards for customer service and support.”
The transition to Optronics is effective immediately, and Collins expects the consolidation, standardization of parts, reduced inventory and move to just-in-time delivery to make an immediate positive impact.
“Optronics is the kind of high-value, high-service supplier that all OEs are looking for,” Scheuler says. “The relationship with Optronics has translated into efficiency gains, first for ASV and now for Collins.”
In addition to supplying standard lighting products out of its extensive lighting catalog, Optronics has also been called upon to provide custom-engineered solutions for Collins. Optronics’ lighting design and manufacturing capabilities make it a natural fit for OEs looking for a lighting supplier that is willing to go above and beyond, while keeping costs under control.
