Where Integrity & Innovation
Drive Us Forward
VISION
To improve quality of life through transformative mass transit solutions.
MISSION
To design, build, and support the safest and most reliable transit buses in the United States. Our products help reduce congestion, contribute to a cleaner environment, and provide mobility to all.
Our People Matter
We consider each other to be the family that we have chosen, and we provide a caring work environment where every person is a valued, contributing team member.
Dedicated to Excellence
We believe that quality must be the cornerstone of everything that we do, which relies on a team of great people focused on excellence each and every day.
Our top priority
We understand that nothing is more important than the well-being of our employees, our customers, and their customers; therefore, we make safety a top priority.
Buses built with pride
We have a deep-seated pride for building the best buses on the market, and our passion fuels our urgency in the present and our commitment to the future.
Doing The Right Thing
We hold ourselves accountable to do the right thing with the right intentions every time, make fair and realistic commitments, and deliver faithfully on our promises.
History
134 Years of
American-Built Excellence
-
1890
1890
Jacob Gillig opens a small shop in San Francisco, making carriages and wagons, laying the foundation for GILLIG's future of craftsmanship and quality. -
1906
1906
After the San Francisco earthquake destroys the shop, the Gillig family rebuilds, shifting focus to automobiles and marking the beginning of their vehicle manufacturing journey. -
1914 – 1920
1914
Chester GILLIG joins his brother Leo to form Gillig Bros, and their invention of the "California Top" showcases the company's early innovation in automotive design. -
1930s
1930
GILLIG pivots to school buses, cementing its role as a trusted provider of safe, reliable transportation for American communities. . -
1940s
1940
During World War II, GILLIG shifts production to military vehicles, demonstrating adaptability and commitment to the nation's needs. -
1950s
1950
GILLIG introduces its first diesel-powered school bus, setting new standards in efficiency and durability in American transit. -
1968
1968
GILLIG moves to a larger facility in Hayward, California, marking a new era of growth and American-built manufacturing. -
1980
1980
The Phantom transit bus debuts, becoming a favorite for its durability and practical, customer-driven design. -
1997-1998
1997
GILLIG launches its first Low Floor bus, based on the Phantom while featuring modern technology and improved accessibility, as well as undergoing a plant expansion to meet demand. -
2000s
2000
GILLIG delivers its first Low Floor Hybrid bus and explores clean-fuel technologies, including hydrogen fuel-cell buses. -
2010
2010
GILLIG’s 40' Low Floor bus with CNG propulsion logs the best miles-per-gallon ever recorded at the Altoona testing facility, solidifying its reputation for efficiency and performance. -
2017
2017
GILLIG moves to a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility in Livermore, expanding production capabilities and embracing new transit technologies. -
2018-2019
2018
GILLIG introduces its Zero Emissions Battery Electric Bus, reaffirming leadership in clean transit technology. -
2023
2023
GILLIG’s third-generation BEB earns the highest-ever score for Zero Emission Buses at Altoona, proving unmatched reliability and performance. -
2024
2024
GILLIG introduces its Hydrogen Fuel Cell bus, advancing the future of zero-emission buses and reinforcing its leadership in sustainable transit solutions.
For over 130 years, GILLIG’s story has been one of resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to American-built quality. From our beginnings in 1890 in a small San Francisco carriage repair shop, we’ve grown through the dedication and craftsmanship of generations who built more than just vehicles — they built a legacy.
Privately owned by just three American families since 1890, GILLIG’s continuity in leadership has ensured that our core values, proven over the decades, remain at the heart of everything we do. This deep-rooted connection to our mission, vision, and legacy guides every bus we design, every partnership we form, and every step we take toward the future of public transportation.
Our ability to evolve with the needs of our customers while staying true to our American-built origins has set GILLIG apart as a leader in the transit industry. We’re driven by a long-standing tradition of excellence, not just to meet today’s standards, but to shape tomorrow’s solutions.
GILLIG’s history isn’t just a testament to where we’ve been—it’s the foundation that propels us forward, ensuring that our commitment to quality, innovation, and community continues to lead the way in public transit for generations to come.
Celebrating
Excellence
At GILLIG, our team is the heartbeat of our success, and their excellence truly deserves recognition.
Each member brings a unique blend of talent, dedication, and innovation that drives us forward. Their commitment to quality and collaborative spirit not only meets but often exceeds our highest standards. This synergy and relentless pursuit of excellence are what set us apart, making our collective achievements not just noteworthy, but extraordinary. Celebrating their contributions is not just about acknowledging hard work—it’s about honoring the remarkable individuals who transform challenges into triumphs and make our team exceptional.
“Aside from being around good people, building quality buses, and taking care of my family, I like working for GILLIG because GILLIG works for me.”
Bobby Bynum
Production
24 Years of Service
“When you design a product here you are able to see it through the entire life cycle, from concept to production, where you can get your hands dirty and personally see that a part fits or a design works.”
Hans Tuft
Engineering
16 Years of Service
“The mobility and transportation we provide through our buses… that’s part of the pride for me. It’s something I can look back on and say, that’s something my GILLIG family and I did together.”
William Hernandez
Customer Care
35 Years of Service
“GILLIG’s culture is all about a ‘we can do it’ attitude. We make it happen, finding a way to do it safely and efficiently while upholding the quality and standards we’re known for.”
Catherine Buttler
Paint
5 Years of Service
“What I love about GILLIG is the perfect balance we have here. We’re pushing boundaries with lower emissions and better passenger experiences, but we never lose sight of supporting the reliable products we’re proud of. The team is what makes it all work—passionate, detail-driven, and always looking out for one another. It’s a place where I’ve grown so much, whether it’s learning something new or sharing what I know, all while feeling supported both at work and in life.”
Steven Dunbar
Engineering
8 Years of Service
“What makes GILLIG such a great place to work is the stability and the people. Over the years, we’ve adopted new technologies and systems, always finding ways to innovate, but the sense of community and support from my coworkers has stayed the same. It’s rewarding to be part of a team that’s always moving forward while staying true to what makes this company special.”
Sonya Sepulveda
Finance
37 Years of Service
The Gillig Advantage
Partnership:
The GILLIG Advantage
Our culture of partnership is driven by pride and passion. At GILLIG, we don’t just build buses; we build lasting relationships. Our commitment to our customers is unwavering, treating them as an integral part of the GILLIG family.
This deep sense of connection and collaboration ensures we deliver solutions that exceed expectations and provide unmatched reliability and support.
By working closely together, we forge a future where mass transit solutions enhance mobility for all Americans.
Our dedicated team’s sense of ownership and empowerment translates into real, lasting benefits for our customers, elevating the quality of life and instilling pride in our communities. With GILLIG, you gain a partner committed to your success every step of the way.
GILLIG Green Initiatives
Contributing to a Sustainable Future
Our commitment to sustainability drives us to produce buses that reduce congestion, contribute to a cleaner environment, and provide mobility for all.
Through the GILLIG Green Initiatives, we’ve taken meaningful steps to minimize our environmental impact while delivering innovative, clean-energy products. At our headquarters, a three-megawatt, 7,800-panel solar system—one of the largest rooftop installations in the San Francisco Bay Area—offsets our manufacturing energy use and helps power our battery electric buses. Our facility also features high-efficiency lighting, recycled water for landscaping, and employee EV charging stations, all part of our mission to operate responsibly and efficiently.
We’re just as focused on sustainability in how we build as in what we build. By implementing green manufacturing practices, like bulk fluid dispensing, upgraded paint systems, and returnable packaging, we reduce waste and energy use at every step of the process.
At GILLIG, sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s how we’re shaping the future of public transportation. By building cleaner buses in a cleaner way, we’re helping our customers and employees drive meaningful change for their communities and the planet.