Stellar Industries declared that it has reached a deal to purchase Midwest Fire, a  Minnesota-based producer of specialty fire apparatus. Customary closing requirements apply to the transaction.

Through the acquisition, Midwest Fire's nearly 40 years of experience with specialized equipment will be added to Stellar's manufacturing capabilities, expanding the company's line of purpose-built work trucks into the fire and emergency response markets. The businesses are dedicated to American production, high-quality products and customer-focused design.

Along with Elliott Equipment Company, Midwest Fire is now part of the Stellar brand portfolio.

Custom fire trucks, such as brush trucks, pumpers, tankers, tanker-pumpers, quick-attacks, tiny pumpers and Type 3 trucks, have been designed and produced by Midwest Fire in collaboration with firefighters since 1987. Practical design, customer cooperation and equipment designed to assist fire departments in the field have all contributed to the company's reputation.

“While fire apparatus represents a new market for Stellar, Midwest Fire’s commitment to solid manufacturing and quality products is very familiar to us,” said Dave Zrostlik, president of Stellar. “This acquisition represents an exciting step forward as we expand into an adjacent market built on quality, trust and service.”

Both Stellar and Midwest Fire, which have their headquarters in the American heartland, are pleased to produce all of their goods domestically. Like all Stellar companies, Midwest Fire is committed to providing products that have a worldwide effect, top-notch production and outstanding customer service.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the Stellar family of brands” said Sarah Atchison, president and CEO of Midwest Fire. “Stellar’s manufacturing knowledge and capabilities are sure to support our brand in ways that otherwise might not be possible, and we are excited for our customers to experience the difference.”

After the deal is finalized, Midwest Fire will function as a separate business under the Stellar brand umbrella. Its activities and headquarters will continue to be located in Luverne, MN. Throughout the integration process, Stellar will collaborate closely with the Midwest Fire team to serve clients, staff, and vendors. At that point, Stellar's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) will be open to all Midwest Fire employees.

Stellar is an 100 percent employee-owned business that operates under a philosophy that closely links employee success to business performance. Each employee-owner has a stake in Stellar's long-term success through the ESOP, which promotes cooperation, creativity and shared accountability.

This acquisition, which expands the business into the fire apparatus sector while enhancing its core competencies in the production of purpose-built equipment, marks an important turning point in Stellar's ongoing growth plan. In addition to bringing together two businesses with complementary manufacturing skills and a common dedication to the people who depend on their equipment, the inclusion of Midwest Fire opens up additional growth prospects.

“Real trucks for real people doing real work — that’s what both Stellar and Midwest Fire are committed to,” said Zrostlik. “We are excited to see what the future has in store.”