Marking half a century of fire and emergency service, Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus embarks on new expansion plans and commemorates long-standing relationship with Pierce Manufacturing.
APPLETON, Wis. — Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, announced today Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus, the Pierce dealer for South Carolina, has marked its milestone 50th year with an exclusive celebration at the South Carolina Fire Conference in June 2023, and plans for future expansion.
In preparation for the 2023 South Carolina Fire Conference, Spartan Fire team members dedicated months to compiling a rich history of customer photos, ranging from the 1970s to the present day. “This effort symbolizes the depth of our commitment over the past half-century,” said Robby Fore, president of Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus. “Pierce Manufacturing also contributed a pencil drawing showcasing three generations of Spartan Fire’s ownership.”
After discovering the first two fire trucks ever sold by Spartan Fire were decommissioned, the team tracked down the third fire truck, a model from 1974. They also located the very first truck Fore sold in 1991. These vehicles were on display in Spartan Fire’s booth at the South Carolina Fire Conference and showed the company’s significant history. “I was deeply touched by the team’s surprise tribute, which included one of the earliest trucks sold by our company and my first sale from 1991,” Fore shared.
Spartan Fire, with just three employees in 1991, has grown exponentially to a team of 40 dedicated professionals serving the entire state of South Carolina. In addition to Pierce apparatus sales, the company also sells DBC and Holmatro products across both Carolinas. This growth is largely attributed to dedication to providing top-tier service post-sale, an initiative of major focus starting in the early 2000s.
The Spartan Fire team is planning to expand further by opening a third service facility in 2023. Additionally, a new headquarters will be breaking ground beginning in 2024.
General Manager of Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus, Mary Elise Fore Greenway, added, “The success and growth of Spartan Fire stem from our incredible team, who, in addition to demonstrating unwavering integrity, embody former Pierce president Doug Ogilvie’s ‘people first’ mentality. Every member brings a unique trait which has fueled our growth.”
Spartan Fire has been a trusted Pierce dealer for 50 years, a testament to their faith in the products they represent. This robust partnership is set to continue, building on a foundation of integrity laid by the founders.
As the company celebrates its golden anniversary, the Spartan Fire team looks back on their many achievements, which include winning the prestigious Pierce Dealer of the Year Award three times, ranking first for population seven years running.
The company’s vision for the future centers on targeted, gradual growth, focusing on supporting customers’ needs with enhanced products and services.
R.E. Fore, Sales Administrator at Spartan Fire, concludes, “Our customers often cite our service after the sale as the reason they continue to place their faith in our business. We value these relationships and strive to provide unparalleled service during and after the sale of each apparatus.”
The Spartan Fire team will continue recognizing their 50-year milestone with an end-of-year company celebration.
For more information about Pierce Manufacturing and Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus, visit www.piercemfg.com.