Crimson Fire Shows First Star Series(TM) at 2004 FDIC
Trucks Produced for Michigan, Louisiana Fire Department on Display
BRANDON, S.D., April 30 -- Firefighters from two departments recently added a "star" to their fire and rescue lineup, thanks to Crimson Fire's all-new fire truck introduction.
The fire departments of Marrero Harvey, La., and Ionia, Mich. are the first customers for the Crimson Fire's Star Series(TM).
Crimson Fire, Inc. is displaying the production models of the Star Series(TM) fire truck this week at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Ind., April 29 - May 1. The trucks for Marrero Harvey and Ionia that are being displayed were completed in March of this year.
The Star Series, introduced at last year's FDIC, represents the first all- new fire truck introduction since the merger of Quality Manufacturing and Luverne Fire Apparatus in 2003 to create Crimson Fire. The trucks feature new technology, improved ergonomics, a safer ride and better handling.
The Star Series was designed to reflect ongoing feedback and discussions with dealers and fire chiefs around the country to drive improvement and enhance performance. The trucks meet Marrero Harvey's and Ionia's need to service growing communities with a mix of commercial, residential and rural areas.
"The Star Series takes the best aspects of Quality and Luverne products, and adds new features to create the most user-friendly apparatus available today," said Jeff Lautt, president of Crimson Fire. "This combination of strength, fit and finish provides maximum serviceability and will ultimately help both of these fire departments and other front-liners perform their jobs at an even higher level."
Notable innovations in the Star Series include an exclusive body configuration featuring a complete tank re-design which nests it between the frame rails of the chassis, lowering the overall height of the tank and hose bed for quicker access and re-loading. The lower center of gravity also provides significantly improved handling and a safer ride.
The Star Series also integrates larger storage areas for equipment by using previously unused space for such features as a floor-dry compartment in the wheel well that opens with the pull of a lever to address oil spills and other clean-up operations. A re-designed pump panel allows for easier access for mechanical repairs.
The Star Series also improves pump operator ergonomics with gauges and controls that are easier to read and operate, and incorporates several new features, including:
* Vibra-Torq(TM) - Crimson Fire's exclusive body mounts which allow the body to float above the chassis, reducing vibration and stress for added durability.
* Hydraulic generator - produces less noise and is more efficient than diesel or gas generators.
* An expanded upper platform with a textured surface for a larger, safer work-space.
* Smart Access - allows easier access to different areas of the unit through doors and a removable running board.
* Smart Display - the master pump control panel is angled from the top of the vehicle for better visibility and reduced glare.
About Crimson Fire
Crimson Fire(TM), a Spartan Motors(TM) company, is a leading manufacturer of custom fire trucks and other rescue vehicles, representing quality, value and innovation. Crimson Fire was established in 2003, when Spartan Motors, Inc. merged its two fire apparatus subsidiaries, Quality Manufacturing and Luverne Fire Apparatus. The Company now draws on more than 130 years of excellence in fire truck manufacturing. Crimson Fire manufactures pumpers, rescues, aerials, quick-attack vehicles and other fire and rescue trucks from facilities in Alabama, Pennsylvania and South Dakota. For more information on Crimson Fire, visit www.crimson-fire.com .
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. (www.spartanmotors.com ) designs, engineers and manufactures custom chassis and vehicles for the recreational vehicle, fire truck, ambulance and emergency-rescue markets. The company's brand names -- Spartan(TM), Crimson Fire(TM) and Road Rescue(TM) -- are known in their market niches for quality, value, service and being the first to market with innovative products. Spartan Motors employs approximately 700 at facilities in Michigan, Alabama, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and South Dakota and is publicly traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol SPAR.