Oshkosh Truck Subsidiary, Pierce Manufacturing, Expands Economical Contender Series Line with New Rescue Models

    OSHKOSH, Wis.--Aug. 23, 2002--Pierce Manufacturing Inc., a subsidiary of Oshkosh Truck Corporation , today introduced a complete line of value-priced rescue vehicles under its popular Contender(R) Series name. The new line is designed to give the fire service an economical rescue vehicle that integrates premium features and significant storage capacity.
    The Contender Series rescues are available on a choice of seven chassis. A variety of body sizes and configurations provide up to 842 cubic feet of compartment space to accommodate the large array of tools and supplies that fire fighters need on scene. All bodies feature aluminum construction for long-term corrosion resistance and a rubber isolator mounting system to minimize road shocks. The line was unveiled at Fire Rescue International in Kansas City, Mo., August 23 - 25.
    "The Pierce(R) Contender Series line provides great value to the fire service to help them face on-going budgetary pressures. Pierce combines state-of-the-art production methods with a large selection of premium features and options to give departments the flexibility to customize their rescue on a budget," said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh's chairman, president and chief executive officer.
    The new line of rescues will be manufactured at the company's facility in Bradenton, Florida. More than 800 Contender Series fire apparatus have rolled out of the facility since they were introduced in 1999.

    Oshkosh Truck Corporation is a leading manufacturer of specialty trucks and truck bodies for the fire and emergency, defense, concrete placement, and refuse hauling markets. Oshkosh Truck is a Fortune 1000 company with products marketed under the Oshkosh, Pierce, McNeilus, Medtec, Geesink and Norba brand names. The company is headquartered in Oshkosh, Wis., and had annual sales of $1.45 billion in fiscal 2001.