Transportation company to locate facility, jobs in Duncan

July 19, 2023

The Journal Record

An Indianapolis-based company involved in bus sales and transportation services has announced plans to open a facility in Duncan.

The company, Model 1, includes dealer locations throughout the country that service transportation needs of communities, schools and businesses. It handles sales, distribution, maintenance, parts management, financing and other services for a variety of internal combustion, alternative fuel, and electric vehicles. In a release, it said it represents more than 20 top commercial vehicle manufacturers across the nation.

In Duncan, the company said it will invest in a new 40,000-square-foot facility in the community’s Eastland Industrial Park. There, it will retrofit and customize commercial vehicles to meet the needs of customers across 22 Model 1 dealer sites.

The opening of the Duncan location initially will create an estimated 10-15 jobs. However, the company said it could add as many as 45 more over the next two years.

The company will immediately occupy a 10,000-square-foot facility built by the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation especially to attract new business investment. The company then will develop plans for construction of a larger facility to be fully operational by 2026.

“With over 40 years in business and a growing customer base, selecting each of our locations is vitally important,” Model 1 President Tony 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.”

Activities in Duncan will include installation of bus wraps and graphics, customization of vehicles to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, other retrofit jobs and restoration of commercial vehicles.

The new facility is expected to collaborate with local manufacturers and raw material suppliers, Model 1 said.

DAEDF President Lyle Roggow said the company considered several locations before opting to locate the new facility in Duncan.

“The best days are when we add investment and jobs to our community,” Roggow said. “We are proud that they chose us to best meet their needs and support their success, all while diversifying our community’s industry mix.”

Roggow said the Oklahoma Department of Commerce provided lead generation and other vital support in bringing the company to the Stephens County community.

“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,” Roggow said.

Citizens and businesses of Duncan created the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation in 1993 to promote the development of existing businesses, attract new businesses, and diversify the economic base of the community of about 20,000. By simultaneously building up the local infrastructure, establishing relationships throughout the state and ensuring that there is a well-trained and vital workforce in the community, DAEDF has worked to create an attractive climate for business. Efforts have attracted businesses that have made capital investments in Stephens County and created jobs that pay competitive wages, Roggow said.