(PRWEB) July 03, 2013
Braun Corporation is pleased to announce that today it received ‘Buy America’ final assembly status from the Federal Transit Administration.
“This is a landmark decision for all Americans with physical disabilities,” said Braun President and CEO, Nick Gutwein. In January Braun petitioned the FTA to determine if Braun’s manufacturing activities qualify for final assembly as provided for in the ‘Buy America' requirements of 49 C.F.R. Section 661. That effort culminated today in the FTA’s decision to grant Braun such status.
The decision benefits people with physical disabilities who use public transportation. The announcement also impacts Braun, its nearly 1000 employees and a nationwide network of dealers who work with state agencies that rely on government funds to purchase their nationwide fleet of wheelchair accessible vehicles. The decision allows Braun to continue competing for state transit contracts with reliable and fuel efficient vehicles that meet all federal safety and emissions regulations.
“We applaud the FTA for its commitment to U.S. companies and employees who build the best products in the world in American towns like our own, Winamac, Indiana,” Gutwein said. “During a time when Americans celebrate their independence, it’s gratifying to know that government and industry can work together to ensure the continuing mobility independence for people with disabilities."
About BraunAbility
BraunAbility is the largest manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vans, ramps, and wheelchair lifts worldwide and enables people with physical disabilities to regain mobility and lead active and independent lives. The Indiana-based company was founded by Ralph Braun, who was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at a young age and unable to walk by age 15. Ralph was motivated by his disability to invent the world’s first electric scooter (the Tri-Wheeler) and wheelchair lift (the Lift-A-Way) in his parents’ garage. Word spread and demand for the product increased, resulting in the birth of Save-A-Step Manufacturing, which ultimately became BraunAbility. The company offers the most diverse line of vehicle platforms in the industry. For more information, please visit http://www.braunability.com.