Not quite 10 days passed between an announcement made by Thomas Built Buses that it would temporarily close its manufacturing plant and an update that about 220 or more workers would keep their jobs after all.

Company officials originally cited a lack of "seasonal demand" as the reason that doors would close Aug. 30 at its Saf-T-Liner C2 manufacturing plant in High Point, N.C. Instead, a news report indicated that Thomas reversed its course amid growing demand for new model year 2010 school buses equipped with diesel engines that are compliant with EPA emissions regulations.

In May, Thomas said more than 1,500 orders had been placed by school districts or private school bus operators for the new SCR-equipped school buses.

Also earlier this year, partner IMMI announced it was moving into a new plant located down the street from Thomas to ease the installation of Safeguard school bus seats for the bus manufacturer.

School Transportation News will report further on this story as developments are made available.