The Associated Press

CHARLESTON, SC — Financially troubled vehicle maker American LaFrance is shifting fire truck manufacturing out of its Summerville plant under a major reorganization of its business.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reports that the unit is being relocated to existing factories in New York and Pennsylvania.

The newspaper reports that about 500 people work at the plant, which will continue to make heavy duty trash-hauling trucks.

The company made the announcement late Friday. It blamed a depressed market and a problem-riddled move from North Charleston, among other factors.

American LaFrance, one of the oldest manufacturers of emergency vehicles and other trucks in the nation, sought bankruptcy protection Jan. 28 because it owed $85 million to its unsecured creditors.