Spartan Motors Inc. is buying Classic Fire, a builder of mini-pumper trucks, tankers, brush fire trucks, and light rescue vehicles, for an unreported price. The Florida-based Classic Fire operations will bring to Spartan Motors better market coverage and a wider price range for its products, allowing it to match the “price points of an industry challenged by weaknesses in municipal funding,” according to the Michigan company.
In addition, the acquisition will bring greater capability to supply firefighting systems and vehicles.
Spartan Motors Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the RV, emergency-response, defense, government services, delivery, and service markets. It has operations in Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Texas.
"The acquisition of Classic Fire is a clear validation of Spartan Motors' strategic intent,” stated CEO John Sztykiel,. “Our top-line growth strategy consists of three elements: growth through corporate alliances as demonstrated by our new Isuzu relationship, organic growth as illustrated by the recent launch of the Spartan Force, and growth through acquisitions as proven here by our acquisition of Classic Fire.”
The transaction is expected to close on April 1.
"We are very fortunate to become a part of the SMI organization as their reputation, and their level of commitment to the Emergency Response industry, is unparalleled," stated Classic Fire co-founder Ron Ewers.
