Ferrara To Take Over LTI?

[x635 4,066]

I heard a rumor that Ferrara has been looking at purchasing the LTI Ladder manufacturing facility in Ephrata, PA from American Lafrance/Patriarch partners. They would use this facility to produce their own ladders instead of purchasing from Smeal, with all design rights inherited with the aqquisition.

It should be noted this area is rich with fire apparatus aerial engineers and skilled workers, with other aerial manufacturing plants nearby.

Again, just a rumor....anyone heard the same?

It would be contrary to the recent press release, but still...

[antiquefirelt 994]

I heard a rumor that Ferrara has been looking at purchasing the LTI Ladder manufacturing facility in Ephrata, PA from American Lafrance/Patriarch partners. They would use this facility to produce their own ladders instead of purchasing from Smeal, with all design rights inherited with the aqquisition.

It should be noted this area is rich with fire apparatus aerial engineers and skilled workers, with other aerial manufacturing plants nearby.

Again, just a rumor....anyone heard the same?

It would be contrary to the recent press release, but still...

They seem to be the latest name in looking to acquire LTI. In the last few years it's been speculated that Rosenbaurer would like to have LTI, as well as even a few that currently produce their own. LTI regardless of their later ALF affiliation, has typically been held in high regard. Owning them takes away a sought after aerial from other builders as well as gives the winning company a solid aerial reputation to work with. There has also been speculation that Zimmerman may buy the business back and become a third party aerial company again, offering better options for some of the other "regional" builders. Many smaller companies are not happy that RK is pretty much the only aerial they have to offer given a widespread low confidence in the product.

[JAD622 40]

I heard a rumor that Ferrara has been looking at purchasing the LTI Ladder manufacturing facility in Ephrata, PA from American Lafrance/Patriarch partners. They would use this facility to produce their own ladders instead of purchasing from Smeal, with all design rights inherited with the aqquisition.

It should be noted this area is rich with fire apparatus aerial engineers and skilled workers, with other aerial manufacturing plants nearby.

Again, just a rumor....anyone heard the same?

It would be contrary to the recent press release, but still...

It's not very likely

[fyrlt17 13]

It's not very likely

I agree, It sound like wishful thinking on the employees part. although that would be a smart move for Ferrara.

AMERICAN LAFRANCE TO BYPASS 2010 FDIC EXHIBITION; COMPANY TO FOCUS ON FUTURE BUSINESS

(3/5/2010)

For Immediate Release

Contact: Richard Ball 843-486-7852

RichardBall@AmericanLaFrance.com

American LaFrance to Bypass 2010 FDIC Exhibition;

Company Focused On Future Business

Summerville, SC - American LaFrance has decided that it will not exhibit at the 2010

FDIC show in Indianapolis. Citing a downturn in municipal funding for fire apparatus,

American LaFrance President Bill Hinz believes the company must focus all of its

efforts on meeting current customer needs and being positioned for the future.

“All the projections and conversations we have had with customers and friends

within the industry point to a rough year in 2010,” says Hinz. “FDIC is an important

event for the industry, and we will have a presence there in future years, but our

primary focus is continuing to support our customers related to new orders,

delivering back log, and meeting our financial objectives.”

American LaFrance announced in April 2009 multiple plant closures aimed at

consolidating all of its manufacturing to its headquarters in Summerville, SC. To

date, consolidation plans are complete except for the Ephrata, PA facility, long

known as “LTI”, which will remain as a ladder production facility.

“In talking with our customers, we felt a presence in the northeast was critical,” says

Karen Haun, newly appointed Vice President of Customer Service. “Similar to our

Los Angeles facility, Ephrata will function as a corporate service facility with parts,

service, warranty, and refurbishment capabilities. We will also keep the ladder

engineering and manufacturing in Ephrata, which satisfies our customers concerns.”

Hinz adds that missing the 2010 FDIC show is just one of many tough decisions the

company has made over the past few years, but believes the sacrifices will pay off.

“Having been through the setbacks of our past, our employees know how to

navigate through today’s rough economic times. We are now a more financially

responsible company. Our product diversity in and outside of the fire industry is an

asset many of our competitors do not have. Our most encouraging indicator of

progress is that our monthly deliveries are steadily increasing. Moving forward, I

have challenged our team to approach the upcoming years with an eye toward

innovation. In this new decade, we can’t accept trying to be like everybody else. I

believe if we listen to the customer, turn their ideas into reality, and exceed their

expectations, we will be able to achieve all the goals we have set for this great

company. ”

American LaFrance, LLC is a leading manufacturer of fire, rescue and vocational

vehicles. Through its predecessor entities, the Company is one of the oldest fire

apparatus manufacturers in the United States, dating back to its founding in 1832.

American LaFrance continues to manufacturer the industries top lines of fire

apparatus including its Eagle custom fire chassis, Liberty series, aerial apparatus,

and a full line of custom pumper products. American LaFrance is located in

Summerville, SC with additional corporate service locations in Los Angeles, CA and

Ephrata, PA.

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No not happening