American LaFrance fire engines shuttered after more than 180 years
#1
American LaFrance fire engines shuttered after more than 180 years
American LaFrance fire engines shuttered after more than 180 years
We often talk about companies like Ford and Mercedes-Benz that have their automotive roots over 100 years in the past, but those aren't the only old-timers in the industry. One of the oldest had been American LaFrance, a company that had been building firefighting vehicles for over 180 years. Notice that we said 'had been...'
The company's roots go back to 1832 as a firefighting equipment maker. It began building steam-powered, horse-drawn fire engines in the era before the internal combustion engine and merged with LaFrance in 1903 to become one of America's leading fire engine builders. Unfortunately, the 21st century was not been so kind to the company. Freightliner bought it in 1995 and production was moved from North Carolina to South Carolina, but it was sold again in December 2005. After declaring and emerging from bankruptcy in 2008, American LaFrance moved to a smaller factory in Moncks Corner, SC, in 2013.
American LaFrance's previous owner, Patriarch Partners, issued a statement to South Carolina newspaper The Post and Courier that said: "Unfortunately, the company's unexpected current financial condition requires the discontinuation of operations in these locations at this time and these facilities are not expected to reopen."
The company's roots go back to 1832 as a firefighting equipment maker. It began building steam-powered, horse-drawn fire engines in the era before the internal combustion engine and merged with LaFrance in 1903 to become one of America's leading fire engine builders. Unfortunately, the 21st century was not been so kind to the company. Freightliner bought it in 1995 and production was moved from North Carolina to South Carolina, but it was sold again in December 2005. After declaring and emerging from bankruptcy in 2008, American LaFrance moved to a smaller factory in Moncks Corner, SC, in 2013.
American LaFrance's previous owner, Patriarch Partners, issued a statement to South Carolina newspaper The Post and Courier that said: "Unfortunately, the company's unexpected current financial condition requires the discontinuation of operations in these locations at this time and these facilities are not expected to reopen."
#2
Lexus Test Driver
Pretty sad news and a part of history leaving. As there will always be a need for new fire engines here in the U.S., I wonder what dictates the trends for wear and tear and when to replace.
#4
Lexus Test Driver
Seagrave is the other big one. Probably more of those out here in California than any other make. Perhaps their sales had the biggest impact on LaFrance.
#7
Super Moderator
Pierce is the subbrand of Oshkosh Corporation which just celebrated their 100-year anniversary in August. They claim to be the US leading manufacturer of fire equipment, though I'm not sure what metric that is judged by. I do know I see more of their trucks in IL than all other brands combined. Smeal is probably #2 as far as I've seen.
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#8
Yes, it's sad for the company, and sad for the cities and towns who will see steadily increasing prices for equipment.
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