E-One, one of the top five apparatus manufacturers, has weathered the storm surrounding its sale from Federal Signal 2 years ago, and it seems to be doing OK for itself these days. In fact, it’s made some big announcements in the past year. Let’s review.
At FDIC this year, E-One announced its new severe-duty cab. The hardier construction came about after fire departments requested extreme-duty interiors that could endure rigorous use while responding to numerous alarms.
ABS interior trim has been pretty much standard over the past 25 years. E-One’s new interior option features a 125″ aluminum, Zolatone-painted center dash, an officer-side dash, and A-post covers with easy wiring access through the hinged service panel on top of the center dash. The engine features a 125″ WearTrak cover with foam insulation to dampen noise and vibrations.
The new interiors should help with the normal wear and tear that some apparatus endure, not only in major U.S. cities but also busy urban volunteer departments.
In another recent move, E-One has relaunched its stainless-steel product line at a new 75,000-square-foot assembly plant in Hamburg, N.Y. The company will produce a complete line of apparatus built of stainless steel.
Last year, E-One also purchased Water Master, a manufacturer of vacuum tankers, to offer another line of apparatus to its customers.
E-One seems to be doing well since returning to private ownership back in 2008. To date, the company offers 11 new or improved apparatus designs, including the Tradition Pumper and Rescue Pumper lines, the HP 78, a low-travel-height aerial cab, a severe-duty cab and a revised rear-mount pump module. Also, the company has added a 137′ rear-mount aerial to its lineup, introduced at FRI 2010.
The company is also in its second year of its fire truck giveaway program. Fire departments are encouraged to write an essay telling E-One why their department needs a new truck. The winning department gets a Tradition ES Pumper. The announcement is made at the IAFC’s Fire-Rescue International each year.
I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot more from E-One in the coming years, as they continue to produce innovative products for the fire service that are timely and functional. Quality and defect-free designs and operations are things that this company has strived for in the past, and I don’t see why this won’t continue for them as they go forward.
