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Equity Investment in Affiliate
12 Months Ended
Oct. 02, 2021
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Equity Investment in Affiliate
17. Equity Investment in Affiliate

On October 14, 2009, Blue Bird and Girardin MiniBus JV Inc. entered into a joint venture, Micro Bird Holdings, Inc. (“Micro Bird”), to combine the complementary expertise of the two separate manufacturers. Blue Bird Micro Bird by Girardin Type A buses are produced in Drummondville, Quebec by Micro Bird.

The Company holds a 50% equity interest in Micro Bird, utilizing the equity method of accounting as the Company does not have control to direct the activities that most significantly impact Micro Bird’s financial performance based on the shared powers of the venture partners. The carrying amount of the equity method investment is adjusted for the Company’s proportionate share of net earnings or losses and any dividends received. At October 2, 2021 and October 3, 2020, the carrying value of the Company's investment was $14.8 million and $14.3 million, respectively. During fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, Micro Bird did not pay any dividends to the venture partners.

In recognizing the Company’s 50% portion of Micro Bird net income, the Company recorded $0.5 million, $3.2 million, and $2.2 million in equity in net income of non-consolidated affiliate for fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020, and fiscal 2019, respectively.