Stellar Industries Acquires Midwest Fire, Entering Fire Apparatus Market

Source: Stellar Industries ↗

A custom fire apparatus builder founded in 1987 has changed hands, giving Garner, Iowa-based Stellar Industries its first foothold in the fire and emergency vehicle market.

Stellar Industries, a 100% employee-owned manufacturer and upfitter of service trucks, utility equipment and trailers, acquired Midwest Fire, a custom fire apparatus manufacturer headquartered in Luverne, Minn. Midwest Fire brings nearly four decades of apparatus manufacturing experience to Stellar’s portfolio, which also includes Elliott Equipment Company, a U.S. manufacturer of truck-mounted aerial work platforms, digger derricks and cranes for utility infrastructure, municipal, construction, and sign and lighting markets.

Since 1987, Midwest Fire has designed and built custom fire trucks alongside fire departments, producing brush trucks, pumpers, tankers, tanker-pumpers, quick-attacks, mini pumpers and Type 3 trucks.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the Stellar family of brands,” said Sarah Atchison, President and CEO of Midwest Fire. “Stellar’s manufacturing knowledge and capabilities are sure to support our brand in ways that otherwise might not be possible, and we are excited for our customers to experience the difference.”

Midwest Fire will continue to operate as a distinct company under the Stellar brand umbrella, with its headquarters and operations remaining in Luverne. All eligible Midwest Fire employees will be enrolled in Stellar’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, extending the 100% employee-owned structure that governs Stellar’s other brands to the acquired workforce.

“Real trucks for real people doing real work — that’s what both Stellar and Midwest Fire are committed to,” said Zrostlik. “We are excited to see what the future has in store.”