CHARLOTTE, Mich., Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The pinnacle
of safety, engineering excellence and speed-to-market becomes a
reality today as Spartan Emergency Response ("Spartan"), a business
unit of Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAR), delivers the first of
its revolutionary S-180 Pumpers to Reese Fire Rescue in Reese, Mich. The S-180 line of fire trucks
represents an industry first, offering custom-built apparatus
manufactured in half the time compared to its closest
competitor.
Spartan's S-180 trucks represent a new era of access and
availability for fire departments struggling with aging fleets that
can compromise the safety of first responder staff and negatively
impact their ability to serve their community. The new truck line
is appropriately named for the 180 days spanning order date to
delivery—a drastic reduction when compared to a typical custom
pumper truck build that can take 10-14 months to
complete.
"When fire departments are faced with emergency or unplanned
fire apparatus purchases, their ability to respond is at
risk. Spartan's S-180 truck line began as a challenge to
ourselves to reduce the order to delivery time and still deliver a
top-quality custom apparatus to fire departments that simply can't
wait for a traditional 10-14 month build. Arming our dealers
with the ability to quickly deliver custom vehicles into the hands
of departments in need is a win for our dealers, our customer
departments, and most importantly, it's a win for the communities
they serve," said Daryl Adams,
President and CEO, Spartan Motors, Inc.
The first S-180 truck was unveiled in April at the 2016 Fire
Department Instructors Conference, in Indianapolis, and is being touted as a
game-changer for first responders working with antiquated fleets.
It can be purchased by selecting a base model and choosing from a
wide variety of customized options, which are tailored to meet each
fire rescue department's needs and budget.
"Fire rescue organizations are paramount to maintaining the
safety of our communities; meeting the needs of these organizations
is Spartan's number one priority," said John Slawson, President, Spartan Emergency
Response. "We are taking our dedication to the next level with the
S-180 line of complete apparatus, delivering a top-quality vehicle
that dramatically reduces the time it takes departments to receive
their custom-built fire truck without compromising the strength,
safety, storage and comfort for which our highly-specialized
products are known."
The S-180 is built on a Spartan Metro Star MFD chassis with a
10" raised roof. It also includes Spartan's Advanced Protection
System® (APS), the industry's top safety feature, including an
all-encompassing restraint system engineered specifically for the
firefighter.
"By offering these tailored options, the S-180 line allows
Spartan to build precise emergency solutions for our customers in a
way that fits their budget and best serves their unique
communities," said Mike Virnig,
Director of Sales, Spartan Emergency Response.
Meeting the Needs of Reese,
Mich.
Like so many departments across the nation,
Reese Fire Rescue's aging fleet
required extra downtime for service and maintenance. When
considering replacements, Spartan's S-180 quickly rose to the top
of the list.
"Our evaluations always center around the safety and capability
of our fleet, but we had pressing needs that required a speed of
delivery that only Spartan could offer," said Chief Gene Ellison, at Reese Fire Rescue. "It was clear from the
beginning that no corners are cut in the process, so the S-180
truck really stood alone as the obvious choice for our needs."
Reese's S-180 features maximum
compartment space, a low hose bed and greater pump capabilities.
Additionally, it features Spartan's proprietary APS safety
system.
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. is a leading
designer, engineer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of
specialty vehicles, specialty chassis, vehicle bodies and parts for
the fleet and delivery, recreational vehicle (RV), emergency
response, defense forces and contract assembly (light/medium duty
truck) markets. The Company's brand names— Spartan Motors, Spartan
Specialty Vehicles, Spartan Emergency Response, Spartan Parts and
Accessories, and Utilimaster®, a Spartan Motors Company— are known
for quality, durability, performance, customer service and
first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 1,800
associates, and operates facilities in Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kansas, South
Dakota, Saltillo, Mexico;
and Lima, Peru. Spartan reported
sales of $550 million in 2015. Visit
Spartan Motors at www.spartanmotors.com.
Video -
http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/Spartan-Motors-Reese-Fire.mp4
Photo
- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161114/439223
Photo
- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161114/439224
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spartan-motors-first-s-180-complete-fire-truck-goes-into-service-this-month-300363115.html
SOURCE Spartan Motors, Inc.