As soon as COVID-19 hit, teams across NFI Group (NFI) got to work developing products or modifying existing ones to keep buses and motor coaches safe and on the road. The Winnipeg-based manufacturer was up to the challenge, with more than 150 years of combined industry experience across its team of 8,000 people across 10 countries. 

“I’m really proud of our team that in the span of three or four months, they researched, assembled, tested and launched an entire line of Clean and Protect products to assist with the prevention of COVID-19 transmission,” says Paul Soubry, President and Chief Executive Officer of NFI. 

Some of those products included anti-microbial air filters, modifications to emergency roof hatches and HVAC systems. 

“We started with UV light in the HVAC system. Whether it’s heating or cooling, the air is circulating so we have products that treat the air as it continuously flows. Then we came up with hydrogen peroxide generators - these are boxes that continuously disinfect the air in the cabin and also the surfaces we touch in the bus or coach,” says Soubry.  

The hydrogen peroxide generators were researched and tested at top U.S. universities in Kansas, Florida and can run safely with passengers and drivers on buses. There is even a plug-in option that can be used to purify air and surfaces in small school classrooms or offices.  

NFI’s hand-held electrostatic fogging machine is also sought after. It can be used when a bus isn’t in use, doesn’t require special personal protective equipment to use and can sanitize up to five vehicles before it needs refilling.  Looking ahead, NFI sees these products becoming the new standard in sanitization and the company is well on its way to realizing that goal. It recently secured exclusivity to supply hydrogen peroxide generators to other coach operators and transit agencies in the industry.

*This story has been updated from the original story in The Winnipeg Investor magazine released in November 2020 during YES! Winnipeg’s Investor Breakfast.