Charlotte MI-based Spartan Motors Inc plans to consolidate its Luverne Fire Apparatus and Quality Manufacturing subsidiaries into a new company that will do business as Crimson Fire. Efforts to consolidate the two subsidiaries have begun, with Crimson Fire beginning operations Jan 6, 2003.
Luverne and Quality both build fire trucks, but distribute their products in different regions of the nation and have complementary geographical strengths. By combining the two operations, Crimson Fire will offer a broader product mix and have the ability to expand distribution nationally beyond the current regional efforts. Crimson Fire will offer combined products from both subsidiaries, including heavy-duty pumpers, tankers, aerials, rescue vehicles, and customized fire trucks.
Both companies, along with ambulance manufacturer Road Rescue Inc, are part of the Spartan's Emergency Vehicle Team (EVTeam) segment, which represents about 27% of Spartan's overall business or $68 million in annual sales.
Crimson Fire will operate from Luverne and Quality's current facilities in Brandon SD and Talladega AL, respectively. Jeff Lautt, who has served as president of Luverne for nearly four years, will assume the role of president of Crimson Fire. Brian Bennett, president of Quality, has retired from the company.