Nation's Oldest Fire Truck Manufacturer Celebrates Opening of New Plant, Museum
15 August 1997
Nation's Oldest Fire Truck Manufacturer Celebrates Opening of New Plant, Museum
CLEVELAND, N.C., Aug. 15 -- The new American LaFrance
manufacturing facility and museum made a splash today when antique and
in-service fire trucks lined up outside the building and staged a "wetdown" at
the historic opening event in Cleveland, N.C. In the spirit of fire fighting
tradition, the building was sprayed with water, just as a new fire truck would
be when it arrives at a station.
North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt, retired American LaFrance Vice President of
Sales and Marketing Walter Rainer, and hundreds of firefighters attended the
opening of the 87,500-square-foot American LaFrance headquarters, located next
door to Freightliner's largest truck manufacturing plant. The completion of
the new manufacturing facility marks a significant step in the revitalization
of American LaFrance, which had ceased fire truck production when it was
purchased by Freightliner in 1995.
"The opening of this facility begins a new chapter in fire fighting
history," said Freightliner President and CEO James L. Hebe. "American
LaFrance has led the industry in innovation, development and manufacture of
fire apparatus and equipment for more than a century. Here, we will continue
that tradition by producing a line of fire trucks equipped with revolutionary
technology for the 21st Century."
"It is an honor to have a reputable company like American LaFrance open
its headquarters in North Carolina," Gov. Jim Hunt said. "American LaFrance
brings a rich history to our state and we're proud that Freightliner continues
to expand operations and create good, high-quality jobs in North Carolina."
The Cleveland, N.C., facility is the only site of American LaFrance
production. More than 100 employees produce the American LaFrance Eagle fire
truck, the first developed for the new American LaFrance lineup. The Eagle,
on display at the event, represents a new generation of high-tech fire truck
with state-of-the-art technology that improves safety, driver and crew
ergonomics, performance and durability. Since the Eagle was unveiled last
summer, orders have come in from across the U.S., Canada and from Australia.
The new facility also refurbishes functional American LaFrance fire trucks
including everything from ladders to entire cabs.
Attached to the American LaFrance manufacturing plant and administration
office is a museum containing a diverse collection of fully-restored American
LaFrance trucks that trace the legacy of the company through fire fighting
history. The company has roots dating back to 1832 in Waterford, N.Y., where
the first hand-pumped fire engine was created.
As is evident in the museum, American LaFrance has blazed a trail of
innovation that includes the first steam-powered fire engine, the first
screw-driven extension ladder, the first gas-powered pumping apparatus to last
more than 12 hours, the introduction of the two-cycle diesel engines, and
more. The museum is open for tours by appointment. For more information
about the museum, call (704) 278-6200.
In the two years that Freightliner has owned American LaFrance,
unprecedented progress has been made in this new venture. A completely new
chassis, the Eagle, has been brought to market with many first-ever
technological advancements, a nationwide dealer and support organization has
been established, and the new factory and museum have been completed.
American LaFrance has also introduced new single- and two-stage pumps in
capacities from 1,000 to 2,000 gallons per minute. And, American LaFrance has
formed a partnership with the industry's leading aerial ladder manufacturer,
Aerial Innovations, which is developing a complete new line of revolutionary
aerial devices for the company.
Freightliner Corporation, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is the
leading heavy truck manufacturer in North America. Freightliner produces and
markets Class 3-8 trucks and is a member of the Daimler-Benz AG group, the
world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturer (http://www.freightlinertrucks.com).
SOURCE Freightliner Corporation
Photo available immediately on AP PhotoExpress Network, PRN# 2 and 3, via NewsCom,
305-448-8411, or http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/pub/pd/pdz?f=PRN/prnphotos&grid=2
or via PressLink Online, 703-758-1740
