SUMMERVILLE, SC – In 1992, Bob Gray started a 15 year career selling LTI aerials and American LaFrance fire apparatus. As American LaFrance continues to rebuild its fire division, Gray returns as Eastern Regional Sales Manager with primary responsibilities to develop and grow the company’s fire distribution network.
After exiting bankruptcy in 2008, American LaFrance was faced with a diminished distribution network. While the company continued to deliver new units, it was necessary to re-evaluate its distribution partners. In 2010, the company added Kevin Hyde to lead its Fire Division. “Bob Gray has extensive knowledge of the American LaFrance product, people and customers,” says Hyde. “His relationships in the industry and the trust he brings to our customer base is essential as we introduce our company to new partners.”
Gray will be based out of the company’s Ephrata Manufacturing Facility where the LTI aerial products are manufactured. “2011 is the year American LaFrance will define its distribution to the fire market,” says Gray. “The industry will begin to see results immediately.”
American LaFrance, LLC is a leading manufacturer of fire, rescue and vocational vehicles. Through its predecessor entities, the Company is the oldest fire apparatus manufacturer in the United States, dating back to its founding in 1832. American LaFrance continues to manufacturer the industry’s top lines of fire apparatus including its Eagle custom fire chassis, Liberty series, LTI aerial ladders, and a full line of custom pumper products. The company is headquartered in Summerville, SC, with additional manufacturing facilities in Ephrata, PA. The company also operates corporate service centers out of its Summerville and Ephrata locations, along with a company branch in Los Angeles, CA. American LaFrance is held by Patriarch Partners, LLC, a private equity and investment firm located in New York.
