Smeal Fire Apparatus Co. (Smeal) announced today that they have agreed to purchased U.S. Tanker Fire Apparatus, LLC (UST) effective July 1st. The acquisition expands Smeal’s product offering to include stainless steel custom and commercial tankers, tenders, and other apparatus. Smeal already offers a full line of custom and commercial pumpers and the largest selection of aerial apparatus models in the fire apparatus industry.
“Considered by many to build the premier stainless steel apparatus line in the industry, we are excited to add UST’s expertise and technical knowledge in stainless to Smeal. Stainless steel is the material of choice for many fire departments that face corrosive operating environments, particularly those in the Snow Belt and the salt-water environment of coastal areas,” said Mark Huber, Smeal’s president. “UST gives us the edge we need to serve current and new customers with an outstanding selection of apparatus, regardless of their needs. The common thread throughout our newly expanded product line is rock-solid construction, an outstanding value, a willingness to customize and dedication to life-long support through our North American dealer network, ” expanded Huber.
UST’s full product offering includes:
-
PatriotTM stainless steel elliptical tankers / tenders
-
HeritageTM wetside and dryside tankers / tenders
-
GuardianTM stainless steel pumpers, with custom and commercial chassis
-
Light rescues
-
Mini-pumpers
-
Brush trucks
Mark Meaders, former owner and CEO of US Tanker, added, “The acquisition of our company by Smeal continues and expands the philosophy that has driven our growth and success from the beginning: to build premium, customized tankers and other apparatus which are an outstanding value for our customers. Smeal shares that same approach and is uniquely positioned to ensure our long-time, loyal customers are well served in the coming years, and to take UST to the next level. This acquisition ensures continuity for UST employees and customers alike.”
John Woltman, who will remain as President of UST, said “This is a great opportunity for UST to drive market share with the increased distribution provided by Smeal’s network and it gives us an opportunity to provide a full line of product to our current customers. Smeal’s huge portfolio of aerial products will give us a tremendous edge and the newly acquired Snorkel and Telesqurt are the perfect answer for some of our regional customers.”
Since 1989, US Tanker has earned an outstanding reputation for building custom stainless steel tankers, pumpers and other apparatus. The company’s team of dedicated craftspeople is based in Delavan, Wisconsin. Smeal plans to continue production of UST products in the newly acquired 50,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art production facility.
