Only a few month after the Elmira phaseout, Harry E. American LaFrance was down, but evidently not out. After 117 years, the revered LaFrance name disappeared from the Elmira area business directory.īut not for long. The last Elmira-built American LaFrance fire engine rolled out of the South-port plant on June 30, 1985. Early in 1985, Figgie International made the stunning announcement that it was shutting down its entire American LaFrance devision. The company was now an operating division of Figgie International Inc., a deversifield industrial conglomerate that owned such well-known names in the fire protection field as Snorkel, Automatic Sprinkler, Scott Aviation and Safety Supply America. In early 1980s, American LaFrance underwent another corporate name change. In the mid 50's imperceptible decline of American LaFrance began with the wider use of units of other companies, including Continental engines. With victory assured, military contracts dwindled sharply by 1945 and the company began preparations for the resumption of peacetime fire apparatus production. In addition to military and civilian fire apparatus, Alfco produced a wide range of aircraft parts and other war material. The company turned out thousands of fire engines for the armed forces, government, including hundreds of units shipped overseas. The Elmira, New York, plant worked around the clock to fulfill huge government contracts for firefighting apparatus of all types.
With this important acquisition, the company got a new corporate name - American LaFrance and Foamite Co.Īmerican LaFrance maintained full production through the war. In 1927 American LaFrance acquired the well-known fire equipment manufacturer - the Foamite-Childs Co. American LaFrance company often recognized as conservative: for example, the chain drive was replaced only in 1935, and the first diesel engine was used only in 1965. Joined in 1903, they gave a life to the American LaFrance Company.īy the mid 20-ies the company has produced more than 4 thousand fire trucks, as well as a number of commercial trucks. In 1873, a blacksmith from Pennsylvania Truckson LaFrance founded in Elmira (NY) the company of a similar profile.
The company's story began in 1832 with a small workshop of John Rogers for the production of manual fire pumps. All chassis were produced by the company, and also occasionally it produced trucks and cars. This company became the author of creating the largest, powerful, efficient and beautiful fire trucks in USA. American LaFrance also offers factory-installed fire pumps, emergency medical products, and fire and rescue equipment.įreightliner LLC, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks in North America and is a company of DaimlerChrysler, the world's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer.American LaFrance Company was the kind of legend in America and one of the oldest automotive companies of the New World. Interested customers should contact their American LaFrance dealer for complete details.Īmerican LaFrance, a subsidiary of Freightliner LLC, produces and distributes a comprehensive line of fire and emergency apparatus including chassis, aerials, ambulances, pumpers, rescues, tankers, and wildland vehicles.
“The American LaFrance Defender Series presents a great opportunity for fire departments and rescue companies to acquire an outstanding vehicle and superb value for their investment,” said Don Stewart, American LaFrance President. Additional options may be added by American LaFrance dealers at the customer’s request. The basic vehicle includes a host of standard features and a selection of factory options. Offerings include Freightliner Business Class entry-level pumpers and rescue units, the American LaFrance Metropolitan, Fastak mini-pumpers, Telesqurt aerials and more.Įach truck is packed with the features most often required for vehicles in their class. The announcement was made at the annual Fire Department Instructors Conference here.įourteen models of fire trucks and rescues are included in this edition of the American LaFrance Defender Series. The current Defender Series program expires July 31, 2002. Available from American LaFrance dealers, each Defender Series unit takes advantage of models and options previously packaged by American LaFrance, providing an excellent value to customers. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA…American LaFrance Corporation has introduced the Defender Series program of pre-engineered fire and rescue trucks. Menu American LaFrance Offers Defender Series Pre-Engineered Fire and Rescue Vehicles 04 12, 2002