Brandon, SD – March 11, 2011 – Crimson Fire, Inc., a Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAR) company, has been awarded a multi-year, international contract to build and deliver custom, high-performance fire apparatus for use by several fire departments throughout the country of Chile. The order marks the Brandon, SD-based manufacturer’s entry into the South American Emergency Response market.
According to the tender awarded to Crimson, Bomberos de Chile has authorized initial production of five vehicles 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 for Spartan Motors.
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 a 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 airoperated 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, Inc.
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™, Crimson Fire™, Crimson Fire Aerials™ and Utilimaster® – 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.
