Bus, transportation service dealer to locate in Duncan

July 19, 2023

The Duncan Banner, by Charlene Belew

A new business will join the Duncan and Stephens County line up after announcing they will locate a new facility in the area.

On Tuesday, July 18, Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation (DAEDF) announced Model 1 will locate a new facility in Duncan. Model 1 is known as the nation’s largest bus and transportation services dealer.

According to information from DAEDF, Model 1 is best known for its bus sales and services which include “distribution, maintenance service, parts, financing and insurance for a variety of internal combustion, alternative fuel, and electric commercial vehicles” and “represents more than 20 top commercial vehicles (bus, van, EV, and other alternative fuel) manufacturers across the country.”

Locating in Duncan allows Model 1 to “strategically expand its footprint, meet the needs of customers by retrofitting and customizing commercial vehicles to solve their transportation issues,” according to Tony Matijevich, President of Model 1.

“With over 40 years in business and a growing customer base, selecting each of our locations is vitally important,” Matijevich said. “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.”

Opening a new location in Duncan will bring a “new 40,000-square-foot facility in Duncan’s Eastland Industrial Park” and the location will “serve products to its 22 existing locations across the United States.” According to information in a press release, sites are “strategically located to provide access to the nation’s largest commercial vehicle inventory, no matter where its customers are.”

While the site is under construction and until the location in Eastland Industrial Park is open, Model 1 will occupy a newly built 10,000-square-foot facility DAEDF constructed in an effort to attract businesses to the area. That will allow Model 1 time to develop their construction plans for the larger facility, which should be fully operational by 2026, according to estimates from DAEDF and the company.

The new location in Duncan will bring an estimated 10-15 new jobs immediately with the potential to reach 40-60 jobs within the next two years.

The Duncan location’s activities will specifically include “retrofitting commercial vehicles to meet client needs, adhering bus wraps and graphics, customizing for handicap and ADA requirements (and) restoration of commercial vehicles.”

According to DAEDF President and CEO Lyle Roggow, the new distribution facility is “expected to collaborate with local manufacturers and raw material suppliers, which underscores how Model 1 operates with a creative problem-solving mindset and continuous development of ideas.”

“The best days are when we add investment and jobs to our community,” Roggow said. “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.”

For more information about DAEDF and its mission, visit www.ok-duncan.com.