Atlantic Emergency Solutions receives 2025 dealer award from Pierce

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Dealer award recognises 2025 performance

Pierce Manufacturing announced Atlantic Emergency Solutions as the recipient of its 2025 Dealer of the Year Award, presented during the company’s annual dealer conference after performance across sales, service and programme measures was reviewed.

Pierce said the award recognised performance across apparatus sales, aftermarket growth, profitability, dealer programme certification and use of Pierce programmes.

The Dealer of the Year award evaluates quantitative and qualitative indicators across the dealership network.

These include apparatus and aftermarket sales growth, profitability, change management and participation in programmes such as the Build My Pierce configurator and Stock program.

Dealer programme measures also include approval packet returns, LEADS participation and feedback from Pierce dealer support teams before finalists are reviewed and a final selection is made.

Dan Meyer, vice president of sales for Pierce Manufacturing, said: “The Dealer of the Year award reflects the overall strength of a dealership’s organization and its ability to support fire departments across its territory.

“Atlantic Emergency Solutions distinguished itself through consistent growth, strong operational performance and significant investments in service capabilities that directly benefit the fire departments they support.”

Dealer expansions increased service capacity

Atlantic Emergency Solutions expanded its service network during 2025 through a series of facility investments across several states.

The company added a 24,000-square-foot collision center in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, featuring a 70-foot paint booth.

It also relocated its Hagerstown service center to a new 24,000-square-foot facility, replacing its previous 8,000-square-foot location.

Further additions included a new 16,000-square-foot facility in Wilder, Kentucky, a 24,000-square-foot Tri-State service center in Milton, West Virginia and a 7,000-square-foot service center in Ashland, Virginia with room for future growth.

Atlantic Emergency Solutions now employs 62 certified Pierce Master Technicians, with another 20 technicians expected to complete certification training in early 2026.

Joe Pack, CEO of Atlantic Emergency Solutions, said: “This award reflects the dedication of every person in our organization; from the sales team who listens carefully to the unique needs of each department, to our service teams who work tirelessly to keep Pierce apparatus in service long after delivery.

“Since we started Atlantic Emergency Solutions in 2010, our focus has always been simple: take care of the people who protect our communities.

“This award is a testament to that commitment, and I’m proud of what our team continues to accomplish together.”

Pack added: “We’re building on this momentum by continuing to do what works, including taking care of our employees and staying closely connected with our customers to support their unique needs.

“With the strength of Pierce’s products and the dedication of our team, we’re focused on delivering reliable solutions and responsive service that departments can count on.”

Manufacturing expansion at E-ONE targets faster aerial truck delivery

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E-ONE expands Ocala aerial production

E-ONE has announced a $23.5 million investment in its manufacturing facility in Ocala, Florida, to expand aerial production capacity by 35 percent.

The Terex Corporation-owned company announced the project on 17 March 2026 and said it is intended to reduce lead times for fire departments ordering ladder trucks and aerial firefighting platforms.

Fire departments across North America are facing increasing demand for modern ladder trucks and aerial firefighting platforms for urban and suburban emergency response.

The expansion is expected to increase manufacturing efficiency across the Ocala campus.

Facility work and planned next steps

E-ONE said the project will include expansion of its existing assembly, fabrication and paint facilities, alongside new construction for ladder manufacturing and assembly operations.

Paint operations will double in size to increase throughput and improve quality.

A dedicated ladder manufacturing facility is planned to address current production constraints and support further capacity expansion.

A new facility for aerial body assembly and completion is also planned to increase assembly capability and line rate output within the aerial complex.

Construction of a second test pit at the Ocala campus is intended to remove a single point of failure and improve product flow across all E-ONE product lines.

Mike Virnig, President, Specialty Vehicles segment at Terex Corporation, said: “This investment reflects E-ONE’s unwavering commitment to the firefighting industry.

“Every day of reduced delivery time means people and property are better protected, and that drives our continuous improvement in manufacturing excellence.”

A groundbreaking ceremony is due to be held at E-ONE’s Ocala facility in the next couple of months, with state and local legislators, local fire chiefs, E-ONE fire apparatus dealers and community leaders expected to attend.

Pierce Manufacturing launches High Flow Phase I in Wisconsin

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Pierce Manufacturing launches High Flow Phase I

Phase I of the new High Flow production line has launched at Pierce Manufacturing’s Appleton, Wisconsin manufacturing campus, changing the custom chassis assembly process as part of a wider manufacturing update.

Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation business, announced the launch as part of its multi-year modernisation programme and ongoing $150 million investment across manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, Florida and Tennessee.

The company said the High Flow Line introduces a redesigned manufacturing model centred on balanced workloads, enhanced quality controls within the production line and integrated technology.

Pierce said Phase I is already delivering measurable improvements across the custom chassis production process.

The company linked the line to plans to expand production capacity and improve quality, with the aim of reducing fire apparatus lead times.

According to Marty Bass, president of Pierce Manufacturing: “These investments reflect our continued focus on transforming how custom fire apparatus are built to meet the needs of modern firefighting.

“By integrating High Flow production principles with advanced technology and expanded facilities, we’re creating safer, more efficient work environments for our team members while accelerating lead time reductions for our customers.

“We’ve already reduced lead times by more than three months from their peak, and we expect this next phase will build on that momentum.”

Pierce Manufacturing outlines further production changes

Pierce said later phases of the High Flow Line will change the remaining final assembly operations in the second half of 2026.

The company said improved workflow design and closer alignment of labour and resources are supporting faster backlog reduction while maintaining customisation, craftsmanship and performance standards.

Phase I also includes expanded use of digital work instructions, improved tooling, ergonomic workstations and advanced inspection technologies.

Pierce said these changes add to other recent Appleton campus investments, including advanced automation, robotics, fabrication technologies and expanded paint capacity.

Across its operations, the company said it has added more than 500,000 square feet of facility space, invested over $70 million to date and hired about 800 new team members.

Bass added: “With High Flow, we’re embedding continuous improvement into every stage of production.

“This approach helps eliminate waste, simplify work and elevate customer quality while creating a more consistent, predictable manufacturing process that supports our teams and our customers.”

Additional phases of the High Flow Line are planned as Pierce continues applying its modernised production model across operations.

MES-New Mexico becomes Rosenbauer dealer for apparatus sales and service

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Rosenbauer dealer appointment in New Mexico

Rosenbauer America has appointed MES-New Mexico as its authorised dealer for apparatus sales and service in the State of New Mexico.

Rosenbauer America announced that MES-New Mexico will operate from a full service facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with in house and mobile service capabilities for fire departments across the state.

The appointment follows a transition in dealer representation in the region, which was previously managed by Artesia.

Rosenbauer America also welcomed Shannon Cherry, Apparatus Sales Manager, MES New Mexico, and the service team to its dealer network.

Service support for fire departments statewide

Diego Salazar, Director of Dealer Development, Rosenbauer America, said: “Rosenbauer is excited to welcome MES New Mexico to our dealer network to support customers throughout New Mexico.

“With both brick and mortar and mobile service capabilities, they are well positioned to serve our customers’ needs statewide.”

Cherry said: “We are proud to represent Rosenbauer and the company’s 160 year reputation for excellence.

“We align closely with Rosenbauer’s mission of saving lives and protecting property.

“We are excited to offer Rosenbauer’s full fire apparatus line.”

MES background and regional transition

Rosenbauer America stated that the change is intended to strengthen its presence in the region and raise service and support for fire departments across New Mexico.

Since 2001, MES has supplied SCBA and PPE in the United States through a national network of sales representatives and certified mobile service technicians.

Darley reports new product launches and supplier recognition

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Darley update outlines spring initiatives

Darley has used its March and April edition of Inside Darley to outline updates on a new data platform, supplier recognition, defence manufacturing activity and product plans for April’s Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC).

Paul Darley introduced the issue and said the spring and summer Darley Times newsletter includes a feature on Lee Wise, Darley’s new president, alongside operational updates from across the company.

The update introduces the Darley Data Center at DarleyData.com.

The platform allows fire departments to compare operational data with up to four other departments, including response times, duration on scene and incident categories.

The idea for the platform came from Ed Tiesenga, village trustee at Oak Brook, Illinois, who had questioned his local fire department about response times and related performance information.

The newsletter also reports that Pierce Manufacturing named Darley its supplier of the year for 2025.

Darley linked the award to teams in Chippewa Falls and at its headquarters in Itasca who support those accounts.

Mike Darley, one of six fourth generation family members at the company, is set to manage the Pierce account and Oshkosh accounts alongside other large defence prime contractor relationships.

Darley sets out certification and FDIC plans

The newsletter also outlines Darley’s defence manufacturing activity and its progress with Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).

Darley said the company was among the first 300 of roughly 60,000 defence manufacturers in the United States to receive the third-party certification required to work with federal government customers.

The update also sets out product plans for FDIC in Indianapolis from 21 to 23 April.

Darley plans to present new wildland equipment at the event, including a wildland pump module and a dual control panel designed for Kubota wildland pumps.

The company also intends to display unmanned aircraft systems, reflecting its involvement in aerial drones, underwater drones and robotic drones, along with counter-drone technology from Dedrone.

Elsewhere in the newsletter, Darley notes that employees and the Chicago Tribune named the company one of the best places to work, following similar recognition from Crain’s Chicago Business and Deloitte in the previous year.

The issue also refers to Darley’s support for The Leadership Podcast as exclusive sponsor for more than five years, noting that the programme’s 500th episode featured Admiral Bill McRaven.

Pierce confirms first high flow industrial pumper delivery to South Korea

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South Korea SK Group orders Pierce high flow industrial pumper via MS Trade Company

SK Group has ordered a Pierce High Flow Industrial Pumper through Pierce dealer MS Trade Company.

Pierce Manufacturing said the apparatus will be the first Pierce High Flow Industrial Pumper in service outside of the United States.

Hwang YoonSeong, General Foreman, Safety Team, SK Group, said: “Our recent tank fire incidents made it clear we needed a higher-performance solution, and the Pierce High Flow Industrial Pumper stood out immediately.

“After reviewing multiple global options, Pierce delivered an exceptional combination of performance, mobility and maintainability.

“Since 2018, every one of our seven new fire trucks has been a Pierce, supported reliably by MS Trade Company.

“Seeing the High Flow Industrial Pumper firsthand during testing and hearing strong feedback from current Pierce industrial apparatus customers gave us full confidence to move forward. Pierce has become our trusted partner for critical emergency response.”

South Korea apparatus configuration and specifications

Pierce said the truck was engineered for SK Group facilities where narrow roadways and access points can limit apparatus positioning.

The company described the configuration as shaped through evaluation and engagement among Pierce, MS Trade Company and SK Group safety personnel.

The specified build includes a Velocity custom chassis and a Cummins ISX15 600 hp engine.

It also includes a 5,500 GPM Darley 2ZSM pump, with up to 10,000 GPM using a pressurised supply.

The truck is specified with an 8,000 GPM deck gun and a 1,000-gallon foam tank.

The specification also lists a rear collision avoidance system, side and backup cameras and an alarm system.

The intake and plumbing configuration includes a 6-inch front inlet with 4-inch plumbing and a 6-inch rear inlet with 5-inch plumbing, described as supporting flexible positioning around narrow refinery roads.

Kristopher Zweiger, Product Manager, Pierce Manufacturing, said: “SK Group’s refineries operate across large-scale, high-risk environments where response performance, reach and reliability are critical.”

Pierce Manufacturing outlines $150m US facility investment including Florida expansion

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Pierce Manufacturing facility upgrades in Bradenton

Pierce Manufacturing has announced a new phase of facility enhancements at its Bradenton, Florida location, including adding a nearby 185,000 sq ft facility.

The company said the Bradenton work builds on recently announced investments at its Appleton, Wisconsin manufacturing campus.

It is investing around $150 million across its facilities, including about $70 million invested to date.

the manufacturer has added 800 new US jobs and is still hiring.

The 185,000 sq ft facility is located near Pierce Manufacturing’s Florida campus.

The company described it as part of a previously announced plan for more than 500,000 sq ft of new space to support increased fire apparatus production.

The new space is intended to support expanded material storage and kitting.

It is also intended to support improved production flow and enhanced training capabilities.

The company said the facility is expected to be operational by mid-2026.

Bradenton paint operations and site infrastructure work

Pierce Manufacturing said it is investing in expanded paint operations at the Bradenton campus.

The company said the project includes new booth space and material-handling enhancements intended to streamline workflows and support higher capacity and improved production consistency.

Marty Bass, President, Pierce Manufacturing, said: “Our growing team in Bradenton plays a critical role in delivering the quality and craftsmanship our customers expect.

“Over the past several years, Pierce has significantly expanded its Florida workforce and production capability.

“These investments reflect our continued focus on building high-quality apparatus, supporting our team members, strengthening our operations and positioning Pierce to meet customer demand well into the future.”

The Bradenton campus is also undergoing site infrastructure improvements, including expanded parking capacity, improved traffic flow and enhanced security features.

The company said these changes are intended to support a safe and efficient environment for team members and visitors.

Pierce Manufacturing invests $150m to cut fire apparatus lead times across US

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Pierce invests in Appleton capacity

Pierce Manufacturing has announced a new round of facility upgrades at its manufacturing operations in Appleton, Wisconsin, with work described as part of a modernisation initiative launched in 2022.

The company said the changes are intended to expand production capacity and support faster delivery of fire apparatus to fire departments.

Pierce Manufacturing said the Appleton work sits within more than $150 million it is investing across manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, Florida and Tennessee.

The manufacturer said around $60 million has already been invested.

Pierce Manufacturing said its recent investments have included expanding manufacturing space by 28% and adding 500,000 square feet of facility space.

The company added that it has hired 800 new American workers over the past several years.

Lead times and production targets

Mike Pack, Executive Vice President and President, Vocational at Oshkosh Corporation, said: “These technologies reflect our dedication to continuous improvement and safety, as well as our commitment to delivering fire apparatus to firehouses faster while maintaining the same exceptional level of quality that defines our products.

“We have already reduced lead times by over three months from their peak.

“With these sustained investments, we are continuing to work to return to pre-pandemic lead times.

“The investments across our operations reflect a unified focus on quality, efficiency, innovation and reducing lead times for critical fire apparatus for communities throughout the United States.

“Every new machine, expansion, and workflow improvement enables us to deliver fire apparatus faster and with the exceptional craftsmanship customers expect from Pierce.”

New fabrication and welding technologies

Pierce Manufacturing said new automation and precision technologies are being introduced across fabrication and assembly processes at its Appleton campus.

The company said each investment is intended to increase production flow, reduce manual touchpoints and improve safety for team members.

Pierce Manufacturing said the newest additions include a Penta 30K laser capable of cutting up to two inches of steel with beveled edges, alongside an automated panel bender designed to complete multiple bends faster than traditional presses.

The manufacturer added that a semi-automated folding machine is intended to allow a single operator to complete complex bends, and that automated rail welding systems are expected to reduce welding time by up to two-thirds.

Pierce Manufacturing said hand-held laser welding technology is also being added, with the company describing it as delivering precise results with minimal material warpage.

Surface preparation and paint expansion

Pierce Manufacturing said buffing robots and an AI-enabled sanding system are being used to prepare metal panels for paint with greater consistency.

The company said a 26,000 square foot paint facility expansion in Appleton is nearing completion.

Pierce Manufacturing said the expansion includes new paint booths and curing ovens, which it said will boost capacity.

Workflow and parts handling changes

Pierce Manufacturing said it has relocated its manufacturing release line to improve production flow and quality control.

The company said it has also modernised its parts facility to centralise warehousing.

Pierce Manufacturing said the cab and chassis lines have been relocated and reformatted within a larger 224,000 square foot space, and that this has freed manufacturing capacity.

What this means for fire apparatus procurement

For procurement teams and fleet managers, the company’s reported reduction of lead times by more than three months from peak levels is a concrete indicator of recent manufacturing throughput changes.

For Fire Chiefs and senior officers planning replacement cycles, the stated aim of returning to pre-pandemic lead times may affect how departments sequence apparatus specifications and delivery windows.

For engineers and equipment specifiers, the described additions, including the Penta 30K laser, automated panel bending, rail welding systems and laser welding, point to changes in how parts are fabricated and assembled within the Appleton operation.

For workshop and maintenance planning, the nearing completion of a 26,000 square foot paint facility expansion and the relocation of production lines and warehousing centralisation indicate updates to finishing capacity and internal workflow.

Magirus opens new Swiss sales and service centre in Schongau

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Magirus opens new sales and service centre in Switzerland

Magirus has opened a new sales and service centre in Schongau, Canton of Lucerne, marking an expansion of its Swiss operations and customer service capacity.

The company said the facility was officially opened during a two-day event held last weekend.

Linda Schmidt, Managing Director of Magirus Schweiz GmbH, and Harry Oortwijn, Chief Operating Officer at Magirus, welcomed guests and highlighted the importance of the new site for the company’s long-term strategy in Switzerland.

Public open day draws strong interest

According to Magirus, around 500 visitors attended the public open day on Saturday.

Attendees viewed live demonstrations of the AirCore TAF extinguishing robot and took part in guided tours of the new workshop.

The company said the open day followed a formal ceremony on Friday attended by approximately 100 invited guests and partners.

Facility strengthens regional service and supply

The new Schongau site includes more than 1,200 m² of workshop, warehouse and office space.

It is located around 15 kilometres from the company’s previous base in Hendschiken and is fully integrated into Magirus’ pan-European service network.

Magirus stated that the relocation, completed in October 2025, enables faster spare parts delivery and more efficient maintenance processes for customers in Switzerland and Central Europe.

Part of wider Magirus transformation strategy

The company explained that the opening forms part of a wider strategic transformation of the Magirus Group.

This strategy focuses on investment, technological development and customer proximity to drive sustainable growth across its European markets.

The founding of Magirus Schweiz GmbH in March 2025 was described as a key step in this plan.

Magirus said the Schongau facility reaffirms its focus on delivering reliable, safe and high-quality firefighting technology tailored to the needs of Swiss fire services.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The opening of Magirus’ Schongau sales and service centre increases support for Swiss fire and rescue organisations seeking local access to equipment servicing, maintenance and spare parts.

The site’s inclusion in Magirus’ wider European network means faster turnaround times for apparatus servicing and component delivery.

For procurement officers and fleet managers, the expanded service capacity offers greater reliability in maintaining operational readiness.

The move also reflects a broader industry trend toward regional service hubs designed to provide local technical expertise and aftersales support for critical firefighting assets.

The alarming truth about ageing fire apparatus in US departments

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IAFF blog highlights growing fire apparatus crisis

In a blog post, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) reported that a nationwide shortage of new fire apparatus is placing both firefighters and communities at risk.

According to the IAFF, three manufacturers – REV Group, Rosenbauer and Oshkosh – now control more than 70% of US apparatus production.

The union said this consolidation has led to prices doubling and delivery times stretching from two to four years.

It argued that departments are being forced to operate outdated and unreliable vehicles, increasing risks during emergency response.

The blog described the situation as an “apparatus crisis” affecting fire departments of all sizes.

Firefighters describe dangerous conditions with ageing vehicles

In its post, the IAFF cited local union leaders from across the United States who described serious equipment failures.

Patrick Cleary, President of Chicago Local 2, said: “We’ve had engines go out on calls with faulty brakes and had to crash them into buildings to stop them.

“It’s a huge problem, and it’s threatening the safety of the public and our fire fighters.”

He added that the city’s spare rigs are often decades old and “older than a lot of the members we have operating them.”

Chris Johnson, President of Las Cruces Local 2362 in New Mexico, said: “Our vehicles are so old at this point that you’re not even able to order new parts for a lot of them.”

According to the IAFF, both cities have been unable to modernise their fleets because of delayed deliveries and cancelled orders.

Long delivery times strain city budgets and planning

The IAFF blog explained that extended delivery times are also creating financial challenges for local governments.

Johnson said: “The city council has been forced to totally rewrite its budget process to account for the long delivery delays, and they’re now having to project funding three to four years out.

“While the current council is supportive, who knows if the council that’s in power three or four years from now will have the same mindset.”

He added: “The previous procurement process just doesn’t work anymore.

“We’re now planning our new orders five to 10 years out.

“It’s the only way to account for the delays.”

The IAFF said this long-term planning is now becoming the norm for departments across North America.

IAFF urges federal scrutiny of industry consolidation

In the same post, the IAFF said it is advocating for stronger oversight of fire apparatus manufacturers.

The organisation noted that General President Edward Kelly testified before the US Senate, warning that consolidation in the sector was endangering firefighters and the public.

Kelly told senators: “The data compiled by the IAFF and others leads one to conclude that these market conditions were planned and executed by corporate interests that do not share our collective goal of public safety.”

The IAFF said the issue has drawn bipartisan concern, with Senators Josh Hawley and Elizabeth Warren calling for investigations into private equity’s role in the market.

The union also confirmed it had joined the American Economic Liberties Project in sending a letter to the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission urging formal investigations.

The post concluded by encouraging IAFF affiliates to share their experiences with apparatus delays through an online form.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The IAFF’s blog highlights ongoing strain in the US fire apparatus market and its operational consequences for fire services.

Procurement officers and fleet managers may face longer lead times for new vehicles, affecting replacement schedules and maintenance planning.

Fire chiefs and municipal administrators could need to adopt multi-year forecasting models to manage fleet turnover and funding cycles.

Budget planners may also have to secure financial commitments far in advance to avoid disruption to service delivery.

These developments could influence procurement policy, emergency preparedness and asset management across departments of varying sizes.

This article was informed by information from the following source: The International Association of Fire Fighters

Readers can view the full blog on the International Association of Fire Fighters’ website.