DJ Kuenzi, Marketing Director at Performance Advantage Company (PAC), discusses customer outreach, evolving communication tools and the balance between product longevity, catalogue design and user engagement
Every tool in its place: The key to faster, safer fireground operations with PAC
Mike McGuire, Sales & Technical Support at Performance Advantage Company (PAC), discusses how tool mounting impacts efficiency, safety and organisation for fire departments
What’s the most common mistake fire departments make when selecting a tool mounting system?
The most common mistake is an unrealistic expectation of what they should or could be doing in relation to the community they serve and their operational abilities – types of trucks, size of trucks and the tools they need to carry.
Overpacking the truck affects operational capabilities or splits tools among multiple vehicles.
They sometimes don’t prioritise what’s most logical to keep, resulting in items left on the truck for decades.
Sometimes departments place items in multiple vehicles, which reduces continuity and creates confusion.
An example is a project we did years ago with one of our local departments.
They did an excellent job prepping for their new truck: they laid out their tools, had a thorough tool list and identified the new location for everything.
However, they also wanted to include three old car jacks simply because they’d always been on the truck.
When I asked why one member said, “They’ve been on the truck as long as I’ve been here.” It’s also important to remember that older tools might no longer be practical, yet remain out of habit.
So one of the mistakes is not looking forward or having a good consensus in the committee or department about what’s realistic for them and what’s required, then finding that merge.
You can get caught up carrying items you may never use.
Being deliberate about what you carry helps maintain efficiency and ensures the tools actually support your operations.
Delays and safety issues it happen if you need a particular tool but haven’t stored it in an accessible location, or it’s shared between trucks or moved.
When you don’t prioritise which tool you need first or keep it in a logical spot, it causes delays and potential safety issues.
Sometimes that leads to confusion if it’s not where everyone expects it and it can slow down response times.
Departments might waste precious minutes searching for a tool that’s been misplaced or is on another vehicle.
Beyond safety, how does well-designed tool mounting contribute to operational efficiency on the fireground?
Continuity.
This allows crews to move fluidly from step to step and know exactly which tool is first, second and so on.
Properly mounted tools in a consistent location mean that even if I’m new on a shift, I can find a tool in the dark because everything is laid out the same way.
Continuity means that if I’ve worked off a rescue truck before and it’s outfitted the same, I know exactly where each tool is.
This eliminates guesswork and speeds up response times.
Another benefit is safety: when tools are properly secured each time, they won’t fall out of a bracket or onto someone.
It also ensures no one is wrestling with tools in cramped compartments, which can cause injuries.
Overall, continuity in tool mounting boosts efficiency and keeps firefighters safer.
How do PAC’s mounting solutions support quick and instinctive access?
Order is key to quick, instinctive access.
If each tool has a designated place established by the department rather than random choices you won’t have to dig through multiple tools to find the one you need.
You can send someone back to the truck for an item and they’ll know exactly where it is.
That consistency and pattern mean tools won’t be buried or moved around, so firefighters can grab what they need immediately.
If people placed tools at random, they’d have to move items to reach what they want, causing delays.
Organised mounting ensures everything is returned to the same spot, which eliminates confusion and speeds up operations.
Over time, personnel instinctively remember each tool’s location without searching.
How does tool mounting impact vehicle organisation?
Knowing things are in their place is critical.
In a high-stress environment or in the dark, it enables people to grab the right tool quickly.
It also protects the tool and the firefighter and it makes accountability easier.
If a bracket is empty, you know something’s missing before leaving the scene.
This is especially helpful in volunteer departments with multiple agencies responding.
A tool can get picked up by another department and you might not discover it’s gone until much later, unless you see that empty bracket.
Good mounting also helps with maintenance.
When you put a tool away carefully, you might notice a crack or other damage.
If it’s just tossed in the truck, you might not see that until the next call.
What feedback do you hear most often from fire departments?
Departments like how easy the brackets are to use and how organised their trucks become.
At trade shows, if someone’s unsure, we suggest they try it with one tool or one compartment, especially if they’ve just bought a new tool.
When they see that tool stays secure, they usually expand to the entire truck.
They realise the system provides order, consistency and pride—people like having a clean, organised truck with no question about where each tool is.
What advice would you give to fire departments looking to upgrade their tool mounting systems?
Start small: maybe mount one tool or set up one compartment.
You’ve already invested in the truck and the tools, so you want to protect them and keep them ready.
Proper mounting extends tool life and makes it clear where each item belongs.
Overall, good organisation leads to higher performance, efficiency and safety.
That’s what departments are after: a safe, efficient operation where tools are secure and easy to access.
This article was originally published in the March 2025 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal – to read your FREE digital copy, click here.
How Performance Advantage Company is meeting the needs of modern tools
Greg Young, Senior VP at Performance Advantage Company (PAC), shares insights into challenges in the tool mounting industry and their vision for future growth and innovation
Greg Young is the Senior Vice President at PAC, a US-based manufacturer specialising in innovative tool mounting systems and brackets.
With a legacy rooted in fire truck manufacturing, PAC has grown into an international company, serving sectors such as the fire service, US Navy, and other industries in need of advanced tool organization solutions.
In this exclusive interview with IFSJ Managing Editor Duncan J. White, Greg discusses the evolving landscape of tool mounting solutions, PAC’s innovative approach to addressing industry challenges, and the company’s expansion into new markets.
For those unfamiliar, can you provide an overview of PAC?
PAC is a manufacturer of specialty products of our own design. Our entire product line encompasses tool mounting solutions.
These are special products to hold and organize tools used in various settings and industries.
Born out of the fire industry, PAC has evolved over 30+ years to design and manufacture products for all industries.
The goal of PAC is to provide robust tool, mounting solutions that exceed the needs our customers regardless of industry.
We believe in our staff which has experience across multiple industries.
When we receive a request for support, PAC always has and always will apply the same philosophy: we always provide the best guidance we can.
We are here to support truck manufacturers, equipment resellers, as well as end users through their challenges around tool mounting.
There is another big thing to mention regarding what the PAC company does to serve all the industries. That is distribution and warehousing.
We go above and beyond, keeping levels of inventory that ensure our customers’ needs are met.
In addition to prompt customer service (with real people answering the phone) we’re widely known in the industry for having both extremely fast shipping and very rarely having back orders.
PAC dealers trust us for prompt drop ship orders directly to their customers.
The tool mounting sector has seen significant changes recently. In your view, what are the main challenges driving these changes?
Without question, we’re seeing the largest number of changes surrounding EV’s as well as the electrification of what were historically, pneumatic and hydraulic powered tools.
The suppression and control of EV and battery fires is still evolving. Those tools in that field are still evolving.
We’re seeing many new products come online to help firefighters extinguish, and control battery fires for example.
We’re still watching the industry evolve, knowing it will get to a place where tools and training provide a safe community.
Because these tools are relatively new in the marketplace and various manufacturers continue to bring new concepts, we haven’t yet defined a solution for some of these new tools.
PAC is known for its innovative approach. Can you share how the company identifies and response to emerging needs in the market?
As we talked about before, we often have a tool mounting kit that will work for a brand-new type of tool that just came on the market.
Our team just doesn’t have the knowledge yet to say this kit will work with this new battery cooling nozzle, for example.
So we’re not afraid to work with manufacturers directly. We’re not afraid to work with equipment dealers.
Often times tool manufacturers and dealers approach us for answers. Many of our staff members are end users in various industries. In that way, the PAC staff is excited to identify and innovate as necessary.
We respond to emerging needs in the market as both partners and participants; making careful decisions that impact the well-being and safety of people around the world as well as our own staff.
Can you tell us about any of PAC’s recent products or innovations and their intended impact on the fire service?
Over the last several years, we’ve been asked to look at fire extinguisher mounts for various reasons.
So, a few years ago we developed two products, a 3 pound and a 5 pound extinguisher holder.
These could be mounted to any vehicle or stationary surface and feature our rugged design with easy to release straps.
Building on that, we found customers asking for larger mount for 10-pound extinguishers.
We noted these requests to look at extinguisher mounts correlate to an increasing presence of smaller attack vehicles, which have nontraditional compartments.
Additionally, to fight fires – regardless of how or where they may erupt – law enforcement, landscaping and garbage trucks are carrying extinguishers.
Our new 10 pound extinguisher mount provides an additional solution for mounting oxygen bottles.
Oxygen storage has been lacking from our product line until now! We’re very excited to support our customers around the world that provide critical life saving measures.
With the complexity of tools and vehicles how does PAC ensure its mounting solutions remain relevant and effective?
We understand our products represent an investment by our customers.
For those who use our products, the feedback we receive is that the customer service, product quality and product versatility surpass other solutions.
Additionally, we stand behind our products with a limited lifetime warranty.
So, we believe PAC will continue to be effective partners of the fire industry by providing the promptest service and incredible value.
Can you share an example when PAC adapted its products based on customer input?
We listen to our customers; whether they come to us directly or we come to them at tradeshows or site visits.
For this reason, several products come to mind.
For example, a military truck manufacturer came to us requesting tool mount brackets moulded in camouflage schemed colours.
Other military customers have approached us for products to meet specific military testing requirements outside of the requirements of the fire industry.
We have created and tested several military products that are used in various scenarios around the world.
As PAC expands into new markets, such as marine and industrial sectors, what specific adaptations or innovations are being introduced to meet the unique demands of these environments?
Earlier I mentioned our new 10-pound extinguisher mount, K5046. The requests for this product came from outside of the traditional fire industry.
The design of it, and the size of it are tailored with different environments in mind.
Storage compartments as well as the access an operator has to the tools are much different between a fire truck and a fireboat, for example.
The mounting surfaces outside a utility truck are much different than what are available on a boat hull, or an agriculture roll bar.
So we’re innovating with this knowledge. Tool mounting is needed across sectors.
We’re investigating what our products need to look like for the widest adaptation across industries.
Looking ahead, what trends or technological advancements do you believe will most influence the future of tooling solutions?
We will certainly continue to look at the diversity of our products. Meaning we develop products for from the standpoint of its usefulness across industries.
An example of this is a recently modified kit K5030, Universal Saw Kit. This was originally a kit that we developed for the fire industry that has seen an introduction of electric chainsaws from all types of manufacturers.
So our kit needed to be redeveloped to accommodate all the different chainsaw platforms.
We’ve always look to develop products that have a grip range that accommodates a variety of tools, not so much a line to line fit.
There are dozens of axe manufactures, for example, and they each have different dimensions for the handle and the head, respectively.
It would be easy to design a mount for one brand and one size, but this wouldn’t build customer’s satisfaction.
The right thing to do is build for the long-haul; build for the bigger picture. That’s what we do with all of our products.
But I think the clearest trend ahead of us is the electrification of tools as well as vehicles.
The types of tools carried on a fire truck is certainly undergoing changes and that trend will likely continue for decades.
PAC has a strong presence internationally – are there any plans for further global expansion?
We’re looking for the right partners who can help us bring our high-quality tool mounting solutions to markets outside of North and South America.
This is an exciting opportunity for PAC as we continue to grow globally, ensuring that more first responders worldwide have access to the best equipment to keep their communities safe.
By building strong distributor relationships, we can maintain our commitment to fast delivery, excellent customer service, and support on a much larger scale.
Finally what are PAC’s strategic goals for the coming years, and how do you plan to continue leading in the tool mounting industry?
Well, you know that I don’t like giving away any secrets, but what I can tell you are three things.
Even as we continue to grow, we MUST do what our customers need most: When you call PAC for service or help, you always get a real person.
As challenging as the labour market is right now, or continuing to promote from within to ensure our customer service needs are met with knowledgeable and prompt service.
When a new fire truck is nearing completion at the factory; it’s time to install tool mounts into the fresh, open compartments.
PAC customers rely on our stock levels and fast shipping to moves that truck from production into service quickly.
So we continue to serve our customers with our on-site warehouse and top notch inventory control.
Finally, we will continue to share knowledge with our customers. We will continue to do in person trade shows and on site customer visits.
We will continue to expand our reach with new technologies, such as our website and email marketing.
Above all else, our mission will remain to do our part, keeping the communities around the world protected.
We’re going to do this by provide our customers the help they need when they need it most.
This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
Fighting fire with efficiency: The rise of tool mounting solutions
IFSJ explores the critical role of Tool Mounting solutions in enhancing firefighting operations, ensuring gear is secure, accessible, and ready for emergencies
The efficiency, accessibility, and organisation of firefighting tools can mean the difference between life and death.
Tool mounting solutions play a fundamental role in ensuring that firefighting equipment is securely stored, easily accessible, and ready for immediate use during emergencies.
These solutions, often designed specifically for the fire market, including fire departments, fire trucks, industrial setting and more enhance operational readiness by minimising response times and ensuring the safety of firefighters and the communities they serve.
Market overview
The tool mounting solutions market for the fire industry us consistently driven by the growing demand for innovative, reliable, and efficient storage options.
This market segment caters to the unique needs of fire and rescue services, providing specialised mounts for a wide range of equipment including battery-powered extrication tools, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), axes, hoses, and other critical firefighting gear.
The increasing versatility mounting systems indicates the industry’s commitment to maximising space utilisation on fire apparatus and improving firefighter safety through ergonomic ingenuity and easy access to equipment.
Key trends fuelling market growth include the rapid adoption of battery-powered tools which have no consistent size standard and require flexible mounts, and the integration of smart technologies such as tool organising software that offer enhanced functionality and flexibility in equipment management.
Product types and applications
Tool mounting solutions in the fire market are diverse, catering to a wide array of equipment needs.
These solutions are not just about securing tools; they’re about improving response efficiency, ensuring safety, and enhancing the overall functionality of fire apparatus.
From basic holders for handheld tools like axes and hoses to complex mounts for heavy-duty equipment such as hydraulic extrication tools, the range is extensive.
Applications extend beyond storage as they facilitate quick access during emergencies, reducing injury risks associated with improperly secured gear, and aiding in the organisation of equipment on fire trucks and in fire stations.
Advanced mounting systems now include features for adjustable positioning, which allows for the customisation of storage spaces to fit all tool sizes and shapes, accommodating the evolving inventory of firefighting tools.
Challenges and solutions
Integrating tool mounting solutions into fire apparatus presents several challenges, including space considerations, budget constraints, and the need for compatibility with a broad range of equipment types.
Fire departments often face the problem of optimising storage within the confined spaces of fire trucks while ensuring that every tool is easily accessible in emergency situations.
Budgetary limitations can further complicate the procurement of high-quality, durable mounting solutions.
Manufacturers have responded with innovative designs that offer modularity and adjustability, allowing for the customisation of storage solutions to fit varying equipment sizes and shapes without requiring extensive alterations to the apparatus.
These solutions provide the flexibility needed to adapt to changing equipment needs, ensuring that investments in tool mounting systems can endure over time, despite shifts in tool types or sizes used by fire departments.
Regulatory compliance and standards
Compliance with regulatory standards are a critical consideration of tool mounting solutions in the fire service.
For example, standards such as NFPA 1901 specify requirements for automotive fire apparatus, dictate that all equipment mounted in fire apparatus must be able to withstand the rigors of emergency response.
These regulations ensure that tools and equipment do not become hazards during transit, protecting firefighters and their gear.
Manufacturers of tool mounting solutions must rigorously test their products to meet these standards, often engaging in third-party testing to verify that mounts can withstand forces encountered during rapid accelerations and decelerations, as well as the harsh environments typical of firefighting operations.
A commitment to compliance enhances safety and will instil confidence among fire departments in the reliability and durability of mounting solutions.
Outlook
The future outlook for the tool mounting solutions market is likely a continued evolution, driven by ongoing advancements in firefighting technologies and the increasing emphasis on firefighter safety and efficiency.
As fire departments adopt more sophisticated and diverse tools to respond to a broader range of emergencies, the demand for versatile, durable, and ergonomically designed tool mounting solutions is likely to rise.
Innovations such as integrated smart technologies for tool tracking, wireless charging mounts for battery-powered equipment, and lightweight, high-strength composite materials for mounting systems are likely to become more prevalent.
These advancements will enhance the operational efficiency of fire and rescue services and contribute to the safety and well-being of firefighters by reducing the risks associated with equipment handling and accessibility.
The tool mounting solutions market within the fire service industry plays a critical role in enhancing the operational readiness, safety, and efficiency of fire and rescue operations.
As the market continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and changing requirements of the fire service, tool mounting solutions will remain indispensable in ensuring that firefighters are equipped to respond effectively to emergencies, safeguarding communities and saving lives.
This article was originally published in the March 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
Equipped for everything with Performance Advantage Company
Tom Trzepacz, Vice President of Sales and Customer Relations at Performance Advantage Company talks trends and unique tool mounting challenges
Can you introduce yourself and your role at Performance Advantage Company?
I am Tom Trzepacz, the Vice President of Sales and Customer Relations at Performance Advantage Company (PAC).
My role involves engaging with our end-users, OEMs, and dealers to enhance our relationships.
I also focus on training and educating them about our products and processes.
Additionally, I play a significant role in managing our trade show appearances and our activities at these events.
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends or changes currently shaping the tool mounting industry?
A significant trend we’ve observed is the rapid advancement in technology, along with the evolution of tools and equipment.
For many years, equipment like rescue tools remained relatively unchanged, with only minor modifications.
However, it now appears that almost every year brings changes and improvements, introducing a competitive atmosphere in many sectors.
This evolution makes it challenging for us to maintain the specificity of our brackets as we have in the past, so we’ve adopted a more generic approach, designing our brackets with universal applications to accommodate the fast pace of change in tools and equipment.
We invest heavily in our design process, and it’s challenging when these designs become obsolete within a year or two due to changes in the tools and equipment we aim to support.
Therefore, we maintain a generic and universal approach to our product design to ensure we can adapt to whatever the future holds.
As the industry, particularly in firefighting, undergoes significant changes, we are committed to adapting and evolving to meet these challenges.
How is PAC innovating to meet the evolving needs of its customers?
At PAC, now in our 30th year, we continuously evaluate our existing product range.
We revisit our original product lines to identify opportunities for enhancement or improvement, ensuring they meet the current demands of the fire industry.
In addition to refining our existing products, we are dedicated to developing new and improved bracket systems.
This process is driven by feedback from our customers and dealers, who highlight the necessity for mounting tools and equipment safely and securely.
Our focus is on designing and developing brackets that can accommodate these tools, ensuring they are mounted safely and securely.
While we are committed to improving our current product line, our eyes are always on the future, looking to innovate and develop products that anticipate and meet future needs.
Can you share a recent example of how PAC helped a customer overcome a unique challenge with tool mounting?
We frequently receive inquiries from customers facing challenges with outfitting their new or existing trucks with tool mounting solutions.
Many reach out to us with a basic understanding of our products but are unsure where to begin the process.
Our approach is to collaborate closely with these customers to identify the most suitable solutions for their needs, whether that involves tool boards or other systems.
We guide them through the process, which includes measuring the space, coordinating with our dealers for direct assistance, and, when necessary, working alongside our dealers to layout compartments and provide drawings.
Once we receive a list of the tools and equipment they need to mount, we recommend the appropriate brackets for each item.
Our goal is to support our customers throughout the entire process, whether they are equipping a new truck or retrofitting an older one with our mounting solutions, ensuring a seamless and efficient setup.
What are some of the most common concerns or questions you hear from customers?
A lot of customers ask which brackets are compatible with their tools and systems, given our extensive range of brackets, some of which have overlapping functions.
There is often uncertainty about the appropriate choice, including for our tool boards, so our customers are always looking for guidance on which are suitable for their needs.
Another common question is around which brackets are compliant with NFPA standards, particularly for those intending to mount tools and equipment within the cab of a vehicle.
Addressing this involves understanding the specific applications and environments in which the equipment will be used to recommend the most fitting system and brackets.
Ensuring the safety of firefighters is paramount, so we emphasise the importance of using the appropriate NFPA-compliant brackets for any tools or equipment accompanying crew members in the cab.
Lead time is another significant concern among our customers, especially given the extended lead times prevalent in the fire industry currently.
PAC’s lead times are exceptionally short, typically allowing for dispatch within a week, thanks to our consistent stock availability.
Despite the challenges faced by the industry in recent years, we have managed to avoid shortages, a fact of which we are particularly proud.
How has PAC adapted its customer service approach to address these concerns?
We have made significant improvements to our operational processes by upgrading our inventory and sales management software.
This upgrade has enhanced our ability to accurately track real-time stock levels and the time required for our team to assemble kits and dispatch them.
This system has really improved the efficiency of our customer service team by providing them with precise information, reducing the need for time-consuming inquiries about stock availability and dispatch timelines.
Additionally, we have developed in-house tools, such as tool board calculators and drawing tools, which assist our engineering and product development teams in creating detailed quotes complete with tool board drawings.
These resources allow us to give our customers a clear visualisation of the products they will receive, streamlining the approval process and significantly reducing the likelihood of errors.
These advancements in our customer service approach have been instrumental in addressing customer concerns more effectively and enhancing overall satisfaction.
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the future of PAC’s customer relations team?
We’re a small company, but we’re a big company.
We have big ambitions and plan to expand our customer relations team in the near future.
We’ve already begun training several in-house staff members who, aside from their primary roles in our workshop and design and development teams, are also contributing to customer service efforts as we prepare for growth.
We aim to increase our outreach efforts this year, focusing on strengthening our connections with OEMs and dealers.
We want to ensure they know we are here to support them, ready to answer any questions they might have about our applications.
Part of this initiative involves working more closely with these partners, reinforcing our commitment to their success.
We are also dedicated to the continuous training and development of our team, equipping them with the necessary tools and skills to provide exceptional service.
Our goal is to empower our staff to effectively assist our customers, ensuring we maintain and enhance the quality of support we offer as PAC grows.
This article was originally published in the March 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
Editor’s Product: PAC’s Fastlok Short assembly
Performance Advantage Company’s Fastlok Short assembly accommodates the changing shape of firefighting tools
Performance Advantage Company (PAC) understands that the best help it can give a firefighter is to develop a system where they can know exactly where their tools are mounted on truck – and to make it possible for the tools to be quickly and easily put to use.
The tool mount manufacturer is passionate about providing high quality, durable, reliable, safe, tested, and easy to use mounting brackets for nearly any kind of tool that you can imagine. As the firefighting industry continues to introduce new tools, equipment, methods and technology, so, too, does PAC. At any point in time dozens of new designs and improvements are being developed, at PAC, to keep up with the ever-changing needs of the firefighting industry.
Once such product that has recently been improved is what we call the Fastlok Short assembly.
Kris Young, Sales and Marketing Specialist at PAC explains: “You place your equipment between two opposing modules. One of the modules has a high-quality, adjustable, elastic strap clamped to it, and at the end of that strap is a locking pin that fits into the cam lock lever of the opposing module. The design allows the user to effortlessly swing the strap over their equipment, position the strap’s locking pin into the opposing cam lock lever and flip the lever to securely tighten their equipment on the go.”
The lever, says Young, is designed so that it can be operated while wearing heavy gloves or mittens on a cold winter’s day: “Which is important in our part of the world”. Originally these modules were designed for equipment with a higher profile (for example, a saw or water tank). The minimum height (profile) requirement, for equipment being secured with this bracket had been 5-3/8″. These improved modules will accommodate lower profile items down to 4-1/8″ in height, offering the best of both worlds: the functionality of a Super Adjustamount with the preferred camlock lever of the Fastlok.
“Feedback from our customers indicated that they prefer this bracket over many other solutions because of the ease of use,” says Young. “Now, they can use it with a much wider variety of equipment. Importantly, there have been many changes in the shapes and sizes of battery operated saws – and this bracket has now been refined to accommodate those changes.”
Part of the genius of this product is that it can secure square items, round items (with the accompanying wedge blocks, tall items, and now items as low as 4-1/8″ in height). With the flip of a cam-lock lever, firefighting equipment can be quickly, firmly and safely secured with no rattle or damaging vibrations.
Once again, PAC is ready with the right solution for the fire service’s ever changing tool mounting needs with a product that is designed to last a lifetime.
This exclusive article was originally published in the June 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
Market Analysis: Tool Mounting
International Fire and Safety Journal analyses the tool mounting solutions market
The fire and rescue service industry plays an indispensable role in safeguarding public safety on a global scale. As emergency response teams continually strive for heightened efficiency and effectiveness, the proper organisation and accessibility of tools and equipment become paramount. Tool mounting solutions have become the indispensable components within fire and rescue vehicles that offer secure and efficient storage for essential firefighting tools.
Growth Drivers
Firefighter safety remains a paramount concern for fire and rescue services worldwide. In this regard, tool mounting solutions have emerged as invaluable assets, offering a secure haven for tools while ensuring easy accessibility. By doing so, these solutions not only reduce the risk of injuries but also significantly enhance response times during emergencies. The growing recognition of occupational hazards and the pressing need for efficient tool organisation have fuelled the widespread adoption of these solutions.
Tool mounting solutions have become indispensable in enabling swift response times. Firefighters can swiftly locate and retrieve the necessary equipment, minimising precious moments wasted searching for specific items. As a result, operational efficiency skyrockets, enabling responders to focus on their primary tasks with heightened efficacy.
Technological advancements have further revolutionised the realm of tool mounting solutions. Cutting-edge features such as quick-release mechanisms, adjustable brackets, and customisable storage options have been introduced, propelling ease of use, flexibility, and adaptability to new heights.
Stringent safety regulations and standards enforced by regulatory bodies have compelled fire and rescue service agencies to give top priority to the systematic organisation and safeguarding of tools. Tool mounting solutions provide a reliable means of ensuring compliance with these rigorous standards, empowering agencies to meet safety requirements and regulations with utmost efficiency.
Challenges
Implementing tool mounting solutions can pose a substantial financial burden, particularly when retrofitting existing fire and rescue vehicles. Limited budget allocations and the need to balance various operational expenses present significant challenges for agencies considering the adoption of these solutions. However, the industry is actively seeking cost-effective and modular alternatives to overcome these barriers and make tool mounting solutions more accessible to a broader range of organisations.
Fire and rescue vehicles come in a wide array of sizes, layouts, and equipment configurations, which adds another layer of complexity to the adoption of tool mounting solutions. Manufacturers are under pressure to design flexible and customisable solutions that can be tailored to fit different vehicle specifications while ensuring compatibility and seamless integration. This adaptability is crucial in meeting the unique needs and requirements of fire and rescue service agencies.
The successful implementation of tool mounting solutions hinges upon proper training and raising awareness among firefighters. It is vital to ensure that all responders are well-versed in the system’s functionality and operation. By providing comprehensive training programs, agencies can enhance adoption rates and empower firefighters to fully leverage the benefits of tool mounting solutions.
Regional breakdown
The tool mounting solutions market across all regions is driven by similar factors such as firefighter safety, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and technological advancements. However, each market has its own unique characteristics and requirements based on regional regulations, infrastructure development, and specific challenges faced by fire and rescue service agencies.
North America boasts a well-established fire and rescue services that place a strong emphasis on safety and efficiency. This market thrives under the influence of stringent safety regulations, remarkable technological advancements, and the pressing need to upgrade existing equipment. Meanwhile, Latin American countries such as Brazil and Mexico are witnessing a surge in investments directed towards enhancing firefighting infrastructure, contributing to the overall growth of the market.
The European market for tool mounting solutions within the fire and rescue service demonstrates remarkable diversity. European nations adhere to stringent safety standards and regulations, thereby driving the widespread adoption of tool mounting solutions. The market is currently witnessing a noticeable trend towards lightweight and space-efficient solutions. Moreover, sustainability and the utilisation of eco-friendly materials have emerged as focal points within the realm of tool mounting systems.
In the Middle East, substantial investments in fire and rescue services are being made to support the expansion of infrastructure projects and an intensified focus on safety. Within this thriving market, the demand for advanced equipment, compliance with international safety standards, and efficient tool organisation are driving forces. The Middle East particularly seeks customised solutions capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions.
Industry expert comment: Performance Advantage Company
The global firefighting industry has been witnessing steady growth over the years. Factors contributing to this growth include increasing urbanization, infrastructure development, stringent safety regulations, and the need for advanced firefighting equipment.
Advancements in firefighting technologies have led to the development of more efficient and effective firefighting solutions. Innovations such as intelligent fire detection systems, advanced firefighting foams, thermal imaging cameras, and improved PPE have enhanced the industry’s capabilities.
The demand for firefighting products and services varies across regions due to variations in fire safety regulations, infrastructure development, industrial activities as well as budgetary constraints. Developed regions like North America and Europe have well-established firefighting markets, driven by stringent safety standards and high infrastructure investments. Developing regions, such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America, are experiencing rapid urbanization, which is fueling the demand for firefighting equipment and services.
Overall, the worldwide firefighting industry is expected to continue growing as the importance of fire safety remains a priority. Advancements in technology, increasing urbanization, and stricter safety regulations will continue to drive market expansion. As a supplier to the industry as well as a member and safety advocate, PAC is excitedly looking toward future expansion and changes.
IFSJ Exclusive: The perfect fit with Performance Advantage Company
Greg Young, Senior Administrative Vice President at Performance Advantage Company looks at choosing the right tool mounting solution
Performance Advantage Company (PAC) was born from the fire industry, for the fire industry. 30 years later both our product line and the markets we serve have expanded greatly. We now serve customers outside the fire market including law-enforcement, military, utility and more. Our overall approach is to provide the most robust system so that tools are organised and secured on mobile platforms.
As a manufacturer in the United States, we serve our customers through a large and ever-growing network. Our customers include truck manufacturers, loose equipment distributors and resellers, truck refurbishment and service centers as well as original equipment manufacturers. Our products are in use in over 30 countries and demand around the world continues to grow for our robust tool mounting systems.
Our core values drive us to make products that allow the fire industry to do their job efficiently and reliably. We believe our brackets achieve those goals by securing and organising tools. The current market conditions of long lead-times and shortages have caused many people to cut back on spending or make do with what they have. This will persist for many years, so the impetus is to keep all your equipment running longer. The same is true for loose equipment, rescue tools, etc. Our brackets keep those tools secured, safe, ready to use, and not to be misplaced. Our mission is to maintain and build our product line to meet the needs of the changing industry.
Choosing the right tool mount
There are several considerations, many of which might be considered the most important. Some of those factors could be a better response time, better accountability of tools, and less misplacing or lost tools. Another factor may be the replacement cost of the tools themselves. Rescue tools, LED lights and fans can be very expensive, and they must be secured to avoid a potential shortage of funds. Money spent on tool mounting saves investment dollars over the long term. That money can then be used for training or new tools that come on the market.
Another consideration when purchasing tool mounts for a truck may be the safety of the vehicle’s occupants. Often emergency and rescue vehicles are involved in crashes due to the speed or poor visibility, etc. Unsecured tools can be liberated from the vehicle, causing injury, or death. Tools in an occupied cab must be secured in a positive locking mount, not just a friction type mount. This will always provide safety and security, not just in case of a crash.
When purchasing tool mounting it is important to consider if that tool mounting system will be robust enough, or heavy duty enough, for the weight load that will be put into it. This can vary by a large magnitude due to the wide variety of tools used in the marketplace.
Other applications
You can commonly find hand tools wall mounted in garages or storage sheds or barns. But those static locations are not subject to the same dynamic loading that occurs in mobile applications like vehicles or trailers. When we talk about tool mounting systems, we are talking about robust and secure solutions for large heavy equipment in industrial situations. This can be on garbage trucks, police pursuit vehicles, fire and police boats, and more. And tool mounting may not even be vertical on a wall.
There are other times where heavy equipment needs to be mounted horizontally, fixed to a floor. Sometimes it must be mounted at an angle because either the tool dimensions exceed the space dimensions, or the angled installation allows a more ergonomically safe position for removing and replacing the tool into the mounted position.
New solutions
There are several new products that I’m excited about. I feel like there’s a lot of excitement to be had all around. We manufacture several different bases that locate the tips of rescue equipment like spreaders and cutters. We recently made a new rectangular pocket part number 1081 and there has been a lot of excitement around it from the market. It’s available by itself or it comes included in kits for different tools.
This pocket, and its simplicity and extreme durability, allow us to locate some rescue equipment that we were unable to previously. It’s caused excitement amongst our customers as they have recognised they can replace a part that they were fabricating their own part from aluminium or plastic. They see our part and recognise that a more efficient approach is to purchase from us a better and more durable product, saving them time and money.
PAC got started by recognising that manufactures of fire trucks for example, custom fabricate mounting brackets for each truck. It’s a much better idea to just take a part off the shelf, for a specific purpose, and finish that truck much sooner – than it is to stop work on the truck to fabricate a custom piece. We have had several customers drawn to this new product to tell us that it’s very similar to something that they make for another purpose.
These conversations have grown into more opportunities for us to provide other pockets that we don’t currently manufacture. This is great news that we love to hear because if one manufacturer tells us they need it – there is probably a greater need in the market to investigate. But this is the nature of the tool mounting business – new equipment, tools, and fire hazards for that matter, are coming into view all the time.
Remaining versatile
We do some of the development ourselves, however, we don’t completely rely on our own experience when looking for tool storage opportunities. We use a combination of actively looking at new products, monitoring the market trends and actively working with our customers to find the new trends that are outside our current offerings. While our employees have many years of combined experience PAC has over 550 dealers around the world, including 25 outside the United States. That constitutes a lot of customer-facing people, including salespeople, engineers, and service technicians.
Not only do we seek out new trends, through publications or through trade shows, our customer network trusts us for new solutions that their customers are looking for and we surely welcome those challenges. Internally we pass all this information along to our engineering and purchasing teams. They develop the concepts that meet these challenges, but only when the product meets our strict values. This is how we remain versatile and adapt to new tool innovations.
Also, I would like to repeat that we are actively looking for international customers looking for an experienced vendor of highest quality tool mounting solutions.
Complex challenges
We continue to receive client requests. Of course we welcome all opportunities to solve problems for our customers. One recent example of a noteworthy new client is a manufacturer of specialty law enforcement tools. They make breaching tools, tear gas guns, and tear gas delivery systems. The delivery systems are vehicle mounted, at the scene, but need to be stored and secured until needed. They are a manufacturer that makes incredible products and wants to sell the product with the perfect mount so they came to us for help.
The complexity in mounting their tools is the difference in diameter when comparing the handle to the working end of the tool. This offset presents challenges when trying to hold something 4” or more away from a surface. This added complexity concerning offsets was outside the experience of the tool manufacturer. In order to provide vehicle mounts with their very unique tools and equipment, they recognised they needed to come to PAC for help.
The future of tool mounting
Having already served the company for 11 years, I’ve come to better understand our strengths as well as our shortcomings. In my new position as Senior Administrative Vice President, I will be looking at all the areas of the business, ensuring we maintain positive growth. I will be working to make sure that we educate the market about how PAC excels in the tool mounting industry. I also can address our shortcomings in new ways.
Every organisation has opportunities to improve and innovate their processes. Our company is no different. For me this means that I will become involved in more areas that I had not previously. Examples of this include coordinating and overseeing an entirely new accounting and customer management system, digging deeper into financials and budgets, looking towards the future and our aligning our goals.
It also means leading and building our team to meet those goals. This means a stronger team with more responsibilities driven by clear goals and direction. With a stronger team structure, we will cast a wider net and accomplish more. For example, product development or vendor development – It’s done by our engineering and purchasing team now instead of just our engineer, for example. Other parallels to this example, of growing our teams, are found in our core areas like marketing, sales and customer service.
While I always like to keep my ideas close to the vest, there are so many things that excite me about the future. The first of which is to continue building and strengthening our fantastic team. Also, PAC will soon publish a catalogue for the marine market because PAC products are already on boats for fire, rescue, and law enforcement. There is a whole new category of tools for administering fire suppression in the EV (electric vehicle) segment. This may require new tool mounts make that we don’t offer. So that more people experience the benefits of our mounting systems PAC will continue to seek new international dealers and manufacturers.
I will also be looking at ways to allow us to communicate efficiently amongst this growing pool of customers. And finally, as we continue to experience growth, there must be a review of our emergency plans. It is so important that we be prepared and ready to handle the next pandemic, flood, or fire for example, so we can continue to provide our assistance to the life saving market that is fire and emergency.
This exclusive article was originally published in the June 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
IFSJ Exclusive: Head to Head with Greg Young, Vice President at Performance Advantage Company
Greg Young, Vice President at Performance Advantage Company, speaks with IFSJ about innovation in tool mounting and the future of the company
Greg Young has always been surrounded by the fire truck industry. He grew up around the family business, Young Fire Equipment, going to trade shows with his parents before heading to college to follow a career in mechanical engineering, gaining a broad array of experience on his journey back to fire trucks.
When I sit down with Greg and he tells me about his professional background and the road that brought him to Performance Advantage Company (PAC), he says that that having worked in a lot of different companies and projects over the years it always came back to vehicles: being around them from the arrival of the chassis, adding components, painting, welding, electrical system fitting. All of this together, he says, set the stage for his current role.
Tell me about your role at PAC and your views on the industry?
I am the Vice President of Operations and Sales. My role is to oversee and implement policy that keeps our organisation running and growing. I also look for business opportunities that will help our organisation grow as well as solving the needs for other manufacturers or dealers out there in different industries looking for tool mounting solutions.
I’ve been back in the fire industry for ten years now here at Performance Advantage Company. I’ve made a lot of new relationships, some of them because they were business relationships but also just because we’re all in the industry together and we’re all of the same background, just trying to do things for the common good. I really understand the dynamics and the challenges of the manufacturing as well as this industry, so I’ve been having a great time making new connections and new relationships in this industry.
What have you been working on recently?
We have been looking at our current product line and looking at ways that we need to adapt to what’s been happening in the industry. We’ve been mounting tools for a long time but there are new designs out there that make us go back and look to see if our mount is still applicable for what’s on the market and there are some changes that we’ve had to make to accommodate different thicknesses and dimensions. We’ve been rethinking our standard brackets and tweaking them so they can accommodate what is available on the marketplace.
We’ve also been looking at new problems for which there haven’t been solutions. One of these is hand sanitisers. They’re such a small thing but they are out there and they’re rolling around in trucks. We want to get them in a place where everyone can find them and use them, so we made a mount for that and it is being received well. Buckets are another product which there hasn’t previously been a need to mount. We’re doing our best to get them up and visible in a place where people can access them in a safe and ergonomic way.
Are there any trends in the industry that have been impacting your business and your product development?
Rescue tools generally haven’t changed much over the years, but the electrification of tools is a big deal. Things are getting smaller and the tools are getting longer because the battery is now a fuel source. There isn’t an external hydraulic power source anymore – everything is self-contained.
These footprint changes of each tool are causing us to go back and look at our bracket and tool mounting lines and ask so ‘is this still appropriate for mounting a line of cutters or rams, extrication tools in general. Now that they’re electrified, we have to go back and look to see if the footprints match up with what we’ve been producing which has been for the hydraulic and gas powered tools, not really knowing what’s coming next.
We have to keep a watch over what’s coming out and get our hands on as many of these new models as we can. If we’re calling something a chainsaw mount or a cutter mount then it had better be all-encompassing and work for all different power sources. We need to make sure that what have works for the wide variety, cast a big net and make sure our products work for everything in that net.
Are there any solutions, tool mounting or otherwise, that you think will become more prominent in the years ahead?
There’s going to be a big push in the years ahead for fully cleanable and decontamination systems for tools, tool mount systems and compartments. Everything is going to have to be chemical-resistant. We talk about clean cab concepts and washing down tools and we want to remove harmful contaminants from tools and protect those using them.
All-electric extrication tools are going to become the norm which means we are going to see a rise in chargers and batteries that are brand specific, which are likely to change from year to year as they innovate and change sizes. One of the things that will be difficult for us is to mount chargers and batteries when there is no standard yet. Departments are going to need a lot of batteries and a lot of chargers so they can stay running as long as they need to when they’re in the field. The challenge for us is how to organise these electric tools.
As fire departments design new trucks they’re going to want charging outlets in the compartment. Where will they be placed? Will they interfere with other elements in that cab? This is going to be a conversation that will become increasingly commonplace among manufacturers.
Decontamination is a prominent issue for the fire industry – is that impacting the way you’re designing your mounts?
It is something that we’ve been looking at. There are tools that will want to be mounted, we need chemical resistance and drains in the tools so the fluids don’t pool and puddle. They need to be cleanable. This is something that is going to become a normal conversation down the road. We’re not there yet, but clean cab concepts are important and tools will be the next thing.
What challenges have you faced as a result of the pandemic or supply chain issues and labour shortages?
We have always had a goal that we manage our stock in a way that allows us to serve the fire industry as quickly as possible. Our products are something that go into a truck at the last stage of assembly and we don’t want to hold up a truck going into service.
We carry our stock in a way that allows us to ship quickly. If you want something we ship within a 24-hour time frame. However, because of the pandemic several of our vendors and suppliers are having much longer lead times, so it is taking them longer to get our product together. We were bringing in more at one time to accommodate for those longer lead times.
We’re having conversations with our vendors to guarantee long term purchases, give them forecasting and blanket purchase orders. It is starting to subside now but it caused us a big headache during the pandemic because we had to carry more material earlier which was a challenge in terms of floorspace. These challenges are new territory in the marketplace, we just have to make sure we have material to keep our customers running and keep trucks on the road.
Are there any regions you’re currently focused on working in/increasing your presence in?
We have a general space which we focus on which is tool mounting on vehicles, that’s our specialty, and that can be in any industry or region of the world. We’re looking at all situations where there is a need for tool mounting on vehicles, making sure that we have a fit there. We have a proven track record of creating solutions in those areas and in all industries. That includes military, law enforcement and of course fire.
There are situations where manufacturers of other things need to mount something to their apparatus, whether that is an industrial machine or a pump system. We welcome the opportunity to talk with manufacturers, we actively pursue those opportunities. Those are situations where we’re open to discussing those opportunities, and I don’t think people originally think of us as that. We’re here to have conversations that go above and beyond.
What plans does PAC have for the future?
One thing we’re getting closer is to overhaul our customer database software. We want our customers to know that we are here, we are strong, and our product line is diverse. We want to put the tools in place that let our team do that effectively and efficiently.
We are busy, we’re getting busier, and we’re looking at ways for the software to work for us and take care of these manual operations, streamlining this automation. The fire industry as a whole isn’t always the most technology minded. The industry is gaining momentum towards automation and embracing the future and we need to do the same, so we are exploring this area.
This article was originally published in the November edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.