Brandon, S.D., March 11, 2011 – Crimson Fire, Inc., a Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:
SPAR) company, has been awarded a multiple-year, international contract to
build and deliver custom, high-performance fire apparatus for use by multiple
fire departments throughout the country of Chile. The order marks the Brandon,
S.D.-based manufacturer’s entry into the South American Emergency Response market.
According to the tender awarded
to Crimson, the Bomberos de Chile has authorized the production of five vehicles
currently and could purchase as many as 30 units over the life of the contract.
Additionally, the Santiago Fire Department has purchased a Transformer pumper as
well as an industrial pumper with a Boomer. The units are scheduled for fourth
quarter 2011 delivery.
“Crimson
is recognized for building some of the safest, most durable fire apparatus in the
market as evidenced by Chile’s order. This multi-year contract represents the
first step of a defined strategy to expand Crimson’s global presence. We value
their confidence in our apparatus to
protect the people in this region of South America," commented Dave Reid, Senior Vice President of Emergency
Response Vehicles, Spartan Motors, Inc.
Raimundo Aranguiz of Ferexpo,
S.A., the Crimson Fire dealership serving Chile, as well as Bill Doebler, Vice
President of Crimson Fire Sales and Marketing, and Dave Ver Steeg, Director of
Crimson Fire Engineering, teamed up to support the development of the order
based on the unique needs of the multiple fire departments involved. The team began
market, application and intelligence gathering more than a year before the
tender was released to ensure compliance of the apparatus for efficient
production and delivery.
“As a firefighter and an
apparatus dealer, I have witnessed the growing need in the Chilean fire service
for modern solutions. Crimson is a well-known brand that consistently delivers quality
fire apparatus backed by exceptional customer service,” Aranguiz said. “These departments
can count on Ferexpo and Crimson Fire for personalized attention and
satisfaction long after they receive their trucks.”
The contract contains comprehensive
specifications for a ladder tender truck that will be designed by Crimson Fire
to provide walk-in capability, seating for up to eight firefighters and
maximized storage for multiple sections of ladders and other critical equipment.
The Transformer pumper
included in the order is being designed to meet the Santiago Fire Department’s dual
needs consisting of emergency rescues and traditional firefighting. The pumper features more usable
compartment space, including two transverse compartments that provide access to
tools and equipment from either side of the vehicle.
Unlike traditional mid-ship or rear-mounted pumps, the Transformer eliminates
the pump house and integrates the pump and manifold system into the body just
forward of the rear wheels. This frees up much-needed compartment space while
reducing the vehicle’s overall length and greatly increasing maneuverability.
The purchase also includes an
industrial pumper technology known as the Boomer; a patented, first-of-its kind,
crossover product that combines five separate emergency-rescue functions into a
single device that is more versatile, less costly and more compact.
-
Elevation: A "boom" with 28-foot reach
that gives you the tools you need – where you need them the most
- Water Discharge: A 28-foot elevated waterway that
can be rotated 360 degrees and operated from -10 degrees to +90 degrees
for greater firefighting reach
- Less Than 300 Parts: Other elevated waterways
have more than 1,800 parts. Less moving parts equals less maintenance Electrical: A 6,000-watt adjustable light tower
- Hydraulics & Air: Connections for
high-pressure hydraulic rescue tools that provide life-saving functions at
the scene of motor-vehicle accidents or connections for air operated hand
tools or lift bags
- Lift: The ability to lift 1,000 pounds without
the need for a stabilizer system
About Crimson Fire
Crimson Fire is a leading
manufacturer of custom fire trucks and other rescue vehicles. A subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:
SPAR), Crimson Fire is committed to quality, value and innovation. Drawing on more than 130 years of
excellence in fire truck manufacturing, Crimson Fire manufactures a full line
of pumpers, rescues, aerials, quick-attack vehicles and other emergency-rescue
vehicles from its facilities in Pennsylvania and South Dakota. For more information, visit www.crimson-fire.com.
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. designs,
engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies
and aftermarket parts for the recreational vehicle (RV) emergency-response,
defense, government services, delivery and service markets. The Company's brand
names -- Spartan(TM), Crimson Fire(TM), Crimson Fire Aerials(TM) and
Utilimaster(R) - are known for quality, value, service and first-to-market
innovation. The Company employs approximately 1,500 at facilities in Michigan,
Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Indiana and Texas. Spartan reported sales of $481
million in 2010 and is focused on becoming a global leader in the design,
engineering and manufacture of specialty vehicles and chassis. For more
information, visit www.spartanmotors.com.
Contact:
Russell
Chick
Director of Corporate
Marketing
Spartan Motors, Inc.
517.997.3852