Rumors surfaced several months ago about the so-called demise of American LaFrance, a scenario that is by no means a first in the history of the 173-year-old company. The venerable manufacturer of emergency vehicles has been on the ropes before, but has always managed to weather the storm.

Recently the company has gone on record with a positive outlook for the company's future. On the American LaFrance web site, president John Stevenson stated, "We are identifying and working with a prospective buyer who will keep American LaFrance whole and who will help keep it competitive and valuable to the industry in the future."

The announcement didn't seem to deter prospective buyers of fire apparatus, as sales are up 18 percent over the company's yearly projections. In fact, several large orders have been rolling in from all over the country. The western region of the country in particular seems to be boosting sales.

Several large orders have been signed with San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles City fire departments. The City of Los Angeles signed an order for 14 LTI Tractor Drawn Aerials, with the opportunity to add a significant amount throughout the five-year contract.

Phoenix is in the middle of another five-year contract and has taken delivery of 50 mid-engine pumpers as well as heavy rescue/hazmat vehicles and mid-mount tower vehicles.

The City of San Francisco purchased two heavy rescue vehicles and has ordered a renewable contract for ten pumpers, which the company plans on duplicating over the next two years. All of the pumpers will be painted in the color scheme that adorned vehicles 100 years ago, commemorating the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906.

Only time will tell, but if these orders are any indication of the health of this fine organization, then I don't think the new management of American LaFrance has anything to worry about. The quality and timeliness of deliveries has improved greatly in the past year, and even though new ownership may streamline operations, I think the company will come out on top.

American LaFrance is no stranger to mergers and takeovers, and I really believe the new management that was recently put in place will bring this company back to its former state.