Gillig Transit Buses

Founded in 1890 by Jacob Gillig in San Francisco, California, Gillig is a private corporation that manufactures heavy duty transit buses in the United States. In addition to their bus manufacturing operation, Gillig also produces automobile bodies and specialty trucks. These products are available in rear-engine and mid-engine configurations. Propulsion solutions include diesel, propane and battery electric models. In 2013, Gillig had a 31 percent share of the heavy duty transit bus manufacturing industry.

Gillig also manufactured school buses before the 1990s. They initially received a tax-free subsidy from the State of California. However, sales dropped off during the late 1980s and early 1990s. In the early 2000s, Gillig began to explore the use of hybrid technologies. They delivered the first diesel-electric hybrid bus to Metro Transit in 2002. In 2003, Gillig delivered two additional hybrid buses to Metro Transit. They also operate a shuttle service at Los Angeles International Airport.

Gillig buses are 102 inches wide and produced in 29-foot, 35-foot, and 40-foot configurations. They are available in single and tandem rear axles, with diesel or propane engines. The company also produces a low-floor bus. It has been called the "Advantage" model. The bus has a low floor and is designed for airport shuttles. In addition to the Advantage, Gillig also produces a "trolley replica" version of the bus. This model features a body-chassis shell that can be used to equip other vehicles as trolleybuses. Its main features are a cowcatcher front bumper, rounded fenders, solid oak seats, and streamlined bodywork.

The Gillig Phantom was the company's first dedicated transit bus. It was introduced in 1980. The Phantom was primarily sold to smaller transit agencies. In 1981, Gillig offered the bus in a 30-foot and a 40-foot body length. The 30' model was marketed with a Detroit Diesel 6V71TA. In 1983, Gillig expanded the product line to include a 102-inch wide version. This was the first of several versions of the Phantom.

Gillig produced a diesel-electric hybrid version of the Phantom from 1996 to 2006. The company later discontinued this vehicle, but it was still available as a single configuration until 2006. The Phantom is now used as a glider. King County Metro purchased 100 of the Phantoms for conversion to trolleybuses. The agency plans to purchase more electric buses later this year.

Gillig was the second largest manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in North America. They also produce a variety of clean energy propulsion solutions, including natural gas, hybrid electric and battery electric. They are currently in partnership with Akasol, a modular lithium-ion battery manufacturer. The company is planning to launch its third iteration of the vehicle, dubbed Gen3, in 2022. The Gen3 will be compatible with wireless inductive charging options as well as depot modular charging solutions.

Gillig has a strong commitment to safety. It is an equal opportunity employer. It requires all employees to undergo drug testing and is in compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988. It also ensures that the work environment is safe and conducive to workers' success. The Industrial Engineer will drive process advancements, quality assurance initiatives, and supply chain management. He or she reports directly to the Manufacturing Engineering and Maintenance Manager.