ALF Grand Opening Scheduled Next Month

AMERICAN LaFRANCE, THE COUNTRY’s OLDEST current fire engine manufacturer, is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. With roots dating back to 1832, the early fire apparatus maker was later organized by Truckson LaFrance and his partners as the LaFrance Manufacturing Company.

The company has just completed its move into new corporate headquarters and primary manufacturing facility in Summerville, South Carolina which is near North Charleston. It is a 440,000 square foot state-of-the-art, custom fire and vocational products manufacturing and assembly plant, and a 57,000 square foot headquarters. The new facility includes a vehicle test track, a pump test pit and a retail store outfitted with American LaFrance merchandise and memorabilia.

In April they completed the move into their new museum which is located nearby the plant. The museum shows 18 vintage ALF fire trucks along with educational exhibits.

The company is celebrating its anniversary by holding an Open House event next month on October 19 - 20. It will be highlighted by an antique muster with a large contingency of antique ALF owners convening at the plant. Also on the ticket are seminars, tours and exhibits.