DUNCAN, Okla. (OBV) – The largest bus and transportation services dealer in the United States will build a new distribution facility in Duncan, Okla.
Model 1 will build the 40,000-square-foot facility in Duncan’s Eastland Industrial Park, a location which enables Model 1 to strategically expand its footprint and solve customers’ transportation needs by retrofitting and customizing commercial vehicles, according to Oklahoma Department of Commerce officials.
“With over 40 years in business and a growing customer base, selecting each of our locations is vitally important,” said Tony Matijevich, president of Model 1. “Duncan, Oklahoma is strategically located for coast-to-coast client needs, has a great workforce and training facilities, and has demonstrated a local commitment to our success.”
Model 1, established in California in 1980 as Creative Transportation Systems, is known for bus sales and has a range of services which include distribution, maintenance service, parts, financing and insurance for a variety of internal combustion, alternative fuel and electric commercial vehicles.
The Duncan facility will provide products to the company’s 22 existing locations across the nation, all of which are strategically located to give customers access to the nation’s largest commercial vehicle inventory, no matter where its customers are. The company represents more than 20 of the nation’s top commercial vehicle manufacturers. Those manufacturers produce a range of vehicles, including buses, vans and electric and alternative fuel vehicles.
The new location’s opening will add 10-15 new jobs, but there’s potential for 40-60 new jobs over the next two years, Commerce Department officials said.
Those new jobs will be located at the newly built 10,000-square-foot facility that Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation (DAEDF) built to attract businesses like Model 1. The company will then develop plans for the construction of the 40,000-square-foot facility in the Eastland Industrial Park. The larger facility is expected to be fully operational in 2026.
The new facility will include the following activities:
- Retrofit commercial vehicles to meet client needs
- Adhere bus wraps and graphics
- Customize for handicap and ADA requirements
- Restoration of commercial vehicles
The facility will collaborate with local manufacturers and raw material suppliers, underscoring Model 1’s creative problem-solving mindset and continuous development of ideas.
“The best days are when we add investment and jobs to our community,” said Lyle Roggow, President and CEO of DAEDF. “Model 1 considered multiple locations and we are proud they chose us to best meet their needs and support their success, all while diversifying our community’s industry mix. We also want to extend thanks to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for their lead generation support. DAEDF looks forward to working in partnership with Model 1, local independent service providers, and education partners like Red River Technology Center to benefit the company.”
