Posted April 13, 2016 anybody have any comments on this, particularly lacofd, ocfa as they are big into buying kme. think there will be any major changes Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted April 13, 2016 I would only say Pierce seems to be the best at this point in quality, engineering, innovation. However, as far as I still know, Pierce in most cases whether stock, custom builds, optioning out everything, is more expensive. I though believe the higher initial investment will payoff if you can keep the rig in-service more and extend the life until retirement. More than a decade ago a "shop" mechanic for Lakeside Fire told me KME meant "Keep the Mechanic Employed." I think at that time they had replaced some Pierce front-lines with the KME's, the Pierces had replaced Crowns. He like the KME part of job security. Lakeside is now a big Smeal buyer. They seem to like that Urban-interface configuration/rig. From what I am told now, KME has come way up on quality and they are very much a strong competitor to Pierce. I think much of this comes down to not only the bids a department receives after their RFQ, but also sales and after-sales support of the product. Seems like KME is playing strong in Southern California. I also am seeing more Spartans around. Even a few Rosenbauers. Back in the mid 2000's I thought Ferrara getting some traction in Southern California, but that seems to have slipped away. E-One seems to have lost its presence here in Southern California. ALF is history. Most the rig sales/deliveries I see around So.Cal are Pierce and KME. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted April 15, 2016 Rev group seems to have nice portfolio of leading ambulance companies. Like wheeled coach and leader and many more They also own e-one. Time will tell if they will change how KME operates and if that has any effects on sales. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
