Well over 200 PUCs sold and more than 20 fire departments placed multiple-vehicle orders
Appleton, Wis. (November 18, 2008) – Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, today announced that it has sold well over 200 Pierce Ultimate Configuration (PUC) products.
In addition, more than 20 fire departments, including Jefferson City Fire Department, Mo.; San Bernardino County Fire Department, Calif.; and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Department, Wash., have purchased and placed into service multiple PUC apparatus.
First introduced in April 2007, the PUC dramatically alters the way the fire service configures apparatus by removing the bulky pumphouse without compromising firefighting capabilities. This industry-changing multi-purpose vehicle has been engineered to be easier to use, operate safely, service and maneuver. The PUC has also been designed to hold more equipment.
“Since its launch, the PUC has surpassed our expectations in terms of total sales. More importantly, we are seeing repeat sales from loyal customers who are using the vehicle on a daily basis,” said Wilson Jones, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Fire & Emergency Group. “It has become a signature Pierce innovation that is changing the way municipal and airport fire departments are thinking about fire trucks.”
The PUC’s patent-pending design frees space while improving function. For example, the top mount PUC reduces the wheelbase over a traditional top mount pumper by three- to -four-feet, which results in enhanced maneuverability, while also increasing compartment space by up to 30 percent. In addition, the 75-foot aluminum ladder PUC can carry more gear with up to 22 percent more storage space on an up to five-inches shorter wheelbase. Among the many other benefits delivered by the PUC are the following:
• Two step/single touch ease. A simple two-step pump operation and “single touch” water-foam-CAFS selection means the firefighting system is up and functional before the operator exits the cab.
• Tilt and access efficiency. Reduced downtime and maintenance costs by tilting the cab and removing the crosslay trays. The PUC provides easy and full access to all plumbing and pump components. Maintenance people spend less time getting to the plumbing and parts.
• Safety. With the pump operator positioned alongside the hose connections instead of over them -- and with crosslays and hosebeds at chest height -- the PUC boasts an impressive list of safety features.
“After an 18-month review and analysis, our department decided on the PUC system,” said Jason Turner, public education officer from the Jefferson City, Mo. Fire Department, which recently took delivery of five PUC pumpers. “The compartment space flexibility is excellent, so we can carry more gear. With the pump positioned lower, we are able to reach hoses and equipment more quickly, safely and efficiently. These are all tremendous benefits.”
With its expansion to more models in Spring 2008, the PUC is now available on all Pierce custom chassis in side and top mount configurations, as well as on 75-foot aluminum aerial ladders and custom Contender® vehicles.
About Pierce Manufacturing, Inc.
Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] company, is the leading North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus. Products include custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, minipumpers, elliptical tankers, and homeland security apparatus. In addition, Pierce designs its own foam systems and was the first company to introduce frontal airbags and the Side Roll Protection system to fire apparatus. To learn more about Pierce visit www.piercemfg.com
About Oshkosh Corporation
Oshkosh Corporation. is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corp. manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, BAI®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, Geesink™, Norba™, Kiggen™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information about Oshkosh Corporation visit www.oshkoshcorporation.com