Alexis Announces FireGuard, Inc. as a New Addition to Dealer Network
August 11, 2010 – We are pleased to announce the addition of FireGuard, Inc. as our new dealer in South Dakota, Nebraska, and the counties of Lyon, Osceola, Dickinson, Emmet, Rossuth, Sioux, O’Brien, Clay, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Cherokee, Buena Vista, Pocahontas, Humboldt, Woodbury, Ida, Sac, Calhoun, Webster, Hamilton, Monona, Crawford, Caroll, Greene, Boone, Story, Marshall, Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, Guthrie, Dallas, Polk, Jasper, Pottawattamie, Cass, Adair, Madison, Warren, Marion, Mills, Montgomery, Adams, Union, Clarke, Lucas, Fremont, Page, Taylor, Ringgold, Decatur, and Wayne counties in Iowa.
FireGuard brings many years of experience in fire apparatus sales and service and have sales people throughout the territory. We are very pleased to have this strong addition to our group of dealers!
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Tanker 8 on it's way home: Summit Ironville Testimonial
Thu. Jan 7th 2010
Capt. McKenzie and Chief Engineer Porter completed the final inspection on Tanker 8 today at Alexis Fire in Alexis, IL. The tanker is a 2009 International 7400 with 330hp. The Fire body consists of a 300 gallon elliptical tank with a 2.5inche rear tank fill and a 4 inch rear tank fill. It is also equipped with an air actuated rear dump with directional tubing. The body also has 2 large compartments that will hold 2 air packs, fittings, and some fire hand tools. There is a 3000gallon drop tank mounted in a manual rack on the officer’s side of the vehicle. It is also equipped with a custom hose tray on the driver side with section for 200ft of 1 3/4th attack line, and 25ft of 4inche fill hose. The visual warning system is a Whelen LED light package. It is also equipped with Grover Air horns and a Federal Signal PA300 Electronic siren.
We would like to extend a very large thank you to staff at Alexis fire and our salesman Harry Sutphen for assisting us and making the tanker even better than what we had hoped for. We would truly like to thank the crew that came together at the last minute to get the hose tray reconfigured at the last minute. We would also like to thank the crew that trained us on the pump and the air dumping system in the zero degree weather and snow conditions.
The Tanker should be home in the Firehouse Monday and will be placed in service by our firefighters as Tanker 8 hopefully that evening and be making runs for many years to come. |
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Sandwich Fire Department Celebrates 125 Years
SANDWICH, ILLINOIS - In conjunction of the City of Sandwich's 150th Anniversary September 26th and 27th, the Sandwich Fire Department will be celebrating their 125th anniversary.
The fire department will be joining the City of Sandiwch's parade on Saturday, September 26th, at 10am with antique fire apparatus from all around. At 1pm they will be hosting a Citizen's Bucket Brigade consisting of 5 person teams--anyone can organize a team and come to compete by coming down to the fire station for an entry form. During the Citizen's Bucket Brigade, there will be a static Antique Fire Truck Display where there is a prize for Best In Show Antique Fire Truck.
On Sunday, the Sandiwch Cub Scout Troop will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast from 7:30am til 12pm at the Fire Station. During the Pancake Breakfast at 10am, the Sandwich Fire Department will have an Open House until 2pm which will consist of Fire Engine Rides, Child Safety Trailer Tours, Fire Safety Literature and Coloring Books, Equipment Display and Blood Pressure Screenings, Antique Fire Truck Display, Car Extrication Demonstration, and Refreshments.
For more information regarding this event and to read full article, please download flyer. Download
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Warm Welcome to Our New Alexis Employees
November 10, 2008 – In order to serve our customers better, Alexis Fire Equipment is pleased to announce the expansion of our sales staff with the addition of new employees: Joel Schreiber, Kevin Hunter and Tony Birchfield.
Joel Schreiber has 17 years of product and sales experience in the fire service industry. Joel will be providing unique product solutions in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodruff, McLean, DeWitt, Macon, Piatt, Champaign, and Vermillion counties in Illinois.
Kevin Hunter has many years of sales experience in sales and service and is a member of the Fox Lake, IL Fire Department. Kevin will be covering McHenry, Lake, Cook, Du Page, Will and Kane (East of the Fox River) counties in Illinois. He will also cover Porter and Lake County in Indiana, and Walworth and Kenosha counties in Wisconsin. Kevin’s addition will allow Alexis Fire Equipment to provide an even higher level of service for both your apparatus and equipment needs.
Alexis Fire Equipment is also pleased to announce the addition of Tony Birchfied to our sales staff. Tony has 7 years of sales experience in the fire service industry, and is a member of the Cuba, IL Fire Department. Tony has a strong history of being a resource to his customers offering them multiple solutions for their needs. Tony will be covering Southern Fulton, Schuyler, Mason, Logan, Menard, Morgan, Cass, and Brown counties in Illinois. |
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Alexis Announces IMSupplies as an Addition to Dealer Network
October 28, 2008 –Alexis Fire Equipment Company is pleased to announce the addition of the team at IMSupplies to our dealer network. IMSupplies will be the Alexis authorized dealer representing our full apparatus line in Eastern Pennsylvania. IMSupplies is also able to offer your Alexis Apparatus purchase on the Pennsylvania Costars program. For full contact information, please visit our Sales Representatives page at http://www.alexisfire.com/Dealers/index.html
In addition to apparatus sales, IMSupplies is also the factory authorized service center for Eastern Pennsylvania. Providing 24/7 road service and a full spectrum of apparatus maintenance plans, rest assured your apparatus repair is in good hands. Please visit the IMSupplies website today at http://www.imsupplies.com/ to learn more about the products and services offered by IMSupplies to our customers in Eastern Pennsylvania.
We are confident IMSupplies will provide the outstanding quality and customer service Alexis has strived to maintain to each of their customers. With the full support of Alexis behind every sale, feel comfortable knowing that together we will meet and exceed your expectations every time.
Contact Rick Debroisse today at 717-564-0550 today for apparatus needs today. You’ll be glad you did! |
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Alexis Welcomes LaFRANCE Equipment Corporation as an Authorized Dealer
October 3, 2008 – Alexis Fire Equipment Company is pleased to announce the addition of the team at LaFRANCE Equipment Corporation to our dealer network. LaFRANCE Equipment Corporation will be the Alexis authorized dealer representing our full apparatus line in Western New York. For contact information and a complete listing of the territory covered by LaFRANCE Equipment Corporation, please visit our Sales Representatives page at http://www.alexisfire.com/Dealers/index.html
In addition to apparatus sales, LaFRANCE Equipment Corporation. is also the factory authorized service center for Western New York. Providing 24/7 road service and a full spectrum of apparatus maintenance plans, rest assured your apparatus repair is in good hands. Please visit the LaFRANCE website today at http://www.lafrance-equipment.com/ to learn more about the products and services offered by LaFRANCE Equipment Corporation to our customers in Western New York.
We are confident LaFRANCE Equipment Corporation will provide the outstanding quality and customer service Alexis has strived to maintain to each of their customers. With the full support of Alexis behind every sale, feel comfortable knowing that together we will meet and exceed your expectations every time.
Contact Todd Steadman today at 607-733-5511 today for apparatus needs today. You’ll be glad you did! |
Alexis Welcomes Great Plains Fire Inc. as an Authorized Dealer
July 1, 2008 – Alexis Fire Equipment Company is pleased to announce the addition of the team at Great Plains Fire Inc. of Underwood Minnesota to our dealer network. Great Plains Fire Inc. will be the Alexis authorized dealer representing our full apparatus line to all counties in the states of Minnesota and North Dakota.
In addition, Great Plains Fire Inc. is now the factory authorized service center for Minnesota and North Dakota. Providing 24/7 road service and a full spectrum of apparatus maintenance plans, rest assured your apparatus repair is in good hands. Please note the accompanying document for some of the services available from Great Plains Fire Inc.
We are confident Great Plains Fire Inc. will provide the outstanding quality and customer service Alexis has strived to maintain to each of their customers. With the full support of Alexis behind every sale, feel comfortable knowing we will meet and exceed your expectations every time.
Contact Phil Isaacson at 888-993-9889 Ext 101 today for apparatus needs today; you’ll be glad you did!
Download Great Plains Fire Mobile Services Sheet (pdf) »
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The East Dundee & Countryside
Fire District recently received a federal grant to purchase
a 3,000-gallon tanker/pumper for the district. The new
truck will replace the old one, which had a capacity of
only 1,000 gallons. Acquiring the new vehicle means the
department can serve rural residents more efficiently.
The pumper truck is scheduled to be in service by May
1. (Marina Makropoulos
/ Staff Photographer) |
'District gets
new firetruck'
Ready by May 1: Grant
covers most of $300,000 cost of tanker/pumper
Article from Suburban Chicago News
written by Tom Polansek
EAST DUNDEE - A new truck that can carry 3,000 gallons
of water soon will help rural residents of the East Dundee
& Countryside Fire Protection District receive better
service, Chief Mark Rakow said Tuesday.
The district bought the vehicle, a red tanker/pumper truck,
for nearly $300,000 with the help of a $225,000 federal
grant.
All the necessary equipment, such as radios, is being
installed inside, and the tanker is slated to go into
service by May 1, Rakow said.
"We've been wanting a tanker for a long time,"
he said.
Rakow said firefighters use tanker trucks when there is
no municipal water service at the location of a fire.
In the district, that includes some homes in Barrington
Hills, South Barrington and East Dundee's Lakewood Estates.
Normal fire engines carry only 1,000 gallons, Rakow said,
so the tanker's larger capacity gives firefighters greater
flexibility.
"We have a portion of the village where there's no
water," he said.
The federal money to help pay for the tanker came from
the Department of Homeland Security under its Assistance
to Firefighters Grant Program. U.S. House Speaker Dennis
Hastert, R-Yorkville, announced the award last year.
"We know well the importance of investing in our
emergency services, and particularly our first responders,"
Hastert said in a statement at the time. "These dollars
will go directly toward bolstering local fire services,
and ensure that our first responders have the resources
they need to protect our communities."
To make room for the tanker at the district's fire station,
a reserve fire engine temporarily has been moved to a
village garage for storage, Rakow said. The district plans
to renovate and add on to the station to make room for
all the vehicles and complete other improvements.
"Our building was built in 1950," Rakow said.
"It wasn't built at that time for trucks this large.
Structurally, the floor and things can't take the movement
of a 66,000-pound tanker. It wasn't designed for that."
Construction of the station is scheduled to begin this
spring.
03/29/06
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Alexis Fire Equipment delivered
a top-of-the-line pumper to Quad Township Fire Department
in West Burlington, Iowa. It is built on a four-door conversion
Peterbilt with a stainless steel body. Alexis is in the
middle of some of the most fertile crop lands in the country
and grain elevators dominate the skyline.
(Fire Apparatus Photo by Medora Hebert) |
'Alexis Builds Reputation For
Quality' Article from
Fire Apparatus Magazine
written by Ed Ballam
ALEXIS, IL—Departments in the market for high-quality,
custom apparatus know that Alexis Fire Equipment makes
some of the finest in the nation. Even their motto; "Demand
to Be Different," says volumes about the attention
to detail and care the company takes in providing customer
satisfaction.
"We're not the big numbers company, but we are a
customer service-oriented company," says Jeff Morris,
president and one of the owners of the business started
by his father, Gene Morris, in 1947. "I like to treat
people the way I'd like to be treated."
And for Morris, that means giving the 75 or so fire departments
that buy apparatus from him every year the most value
for their money. Alexis builds pumpers, rescues, tankers,
and even a few aerials, as well as some unique specialty
rigs, like ATV incident response units for Chicago, dive
team vehicles and command centers. The company also does
a large number of refurbishing jobs annually...
[article continues]
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Full Featured Article PDF (1.5 MB) |
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'Like
driving a Cadillac' Article
from The Galena Gazette
written by Amy Alderman
HANOVER—The Hanover Community Fire Protection District
recently replaced a 19-year-old pumper with a new engine
from the Alexis Fire Equipment Company of Alexis.
Hanover's first red Engine, number 610, which cost $186,000,
has a Peterbuilt Crew Cab. The front seating allows for
five firefighters and special seating allows them to suit
up in self-contained breathing apparatus while en route
to the fire. The former pumper only allowed two firefighters
to sit in the cab.
It feels like driving a Cadillac, said fire chief Mike
Weede. The 330 horsepower engine with automatic gears
and exhaust breaking has the power to pull the truck up
hills and drive at 55 to 60 mph.
The pumper the district is replacing struggled to reach
60 mph. Weede also ordered $7,000 worth of hoses and equipment
paid for by the district's ladies auxiliary and firefighters.
Trustees on the fire protection district's board Dan Harkness
and John Bingham "were very instrumental in getting
this truck and equipment," Weede reported.
"They went with the wishes
of the chief and the best interests of the fire department."
The chief reported that he hopes to get the pumper on
the road by the end of December. All firefighters will
have to be trained on the truck and its equipment.
The Hanover Community Fire Protection District not only
services the town of Hanover, but the Savanna Army Depot
and parts of Mt. Carroll.
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AFE President Nominated for FSB 2004 Best Bosses Program
In 2004, FORTUNE Small Business and Winning Workplaces nominated
Alexis Fire Equipment President, Jeff Morris, as one of the
distinguished finalist for the 2004 Best Bosses program. FORTUNE
Small Business received over 200 nominations for this year's
Best Bosses program. These included many great leaders who have
produced impressive business results through enlightened people
practices.
Jeff has focused the energy of the 59-year old family business
on quality and customer satisfaction. Employees at Alexis Fire
Equipment Company take pride in their work and Morris recognizes
their contributions: Anyone whose craftsmanship was instrumental
in building a piece of equipment are listed on a tag placed
inside the door of the vehicle. More importantly, employees
are confident that their work is valued: There is no union in
this ISO 9001-certified operation, and the staff has opted for
a performance-based pay plan. Jeff has led the organization
into the global economy, consistently growing revenue and doubling
the staff over the last five years with limited turnover.
Alexis Fire Expands Facility Space by 36 percent
In August 2003, Alexis Fire Equipment completed facility expansion,
which included buying existing buildings and remodeling them,
added 20,000 square feet, bringing the total area to about 55,000
- triple the company's size 15 years ago. Older buildings surrounding
the original Alexis Fire Equipment facility were transformed
into new work spaces for the many different departments that
compose the company.
Alexis Fire Sales and Administrator moved into the new spacious
facility across the street in the old Ford Motor Company building.
The new facility, which consolidates the sales, administration
and accounting teams, is cleaner and quieter, which makes for
better and more efficient communication between employees.
Some highlights of the new Alexis Sales facility include a full
conference area, private offices, and a new Truck Inspection
and Acceptance Center where departments can perform their final
inspections and delivery acceptance away from noise and congestion
of the manufacturing area. The new facility not only has more
space, increased privacy and better climate control for personnel,
but also houses a fully restored 1897 Steam Pumper on display
in the lobby showroom area as well as a popcorn machine for
visiting customers.
Part of the expansion included the remodeling of a former lumber
yard building nearby to create the new Alexis Service Center,
which can handle twice as many fire trucks as before.
The Alexis Merchandise Center now also has its own building,
which sells over 75 top name brands and fire/rescue accessories.
The move of these internal departments outside the original
building has left more room for building a fabricating Alexis
custom trucks in the main facility. Roger W. in fabricating
states, "We moved into a larger part of the building which
gives us more room. We are able to build more bodies at one
time."
Waterjet Machining Center
On Monday, August 25, 2003, Alexis Fire Equipment introduced
the Omax JetMachining Center model 80160/30 HP pump into the
facility. This American-made waterjet machine cuts materials
with a high pressure stream of water injected with abrasive
material and was producing parts only three days after arrival.
The machine cuts virtually any materials ranging from titanium,
stainless steel, glass, brass and inconel, to composites, ceramics,
aluminum, mild steel and hardened tool steel. The advantages
to the Omax JetMachining Center are no thermal distortion, no
heat affected zone, and less set up time. The pressure of the
water is 48,000 psi with a water stream width of .015”.
The machine has a dynamic positioning accuracy of + or - .005”.
The table size is 170” long and 83” wide. Cut thickness
range is paper to 4” thick steel and has a cut speed of
3/16” thick aluminum of 65 inches per minute.
"We are seeing some benefits from the new water jet cutter,"
explains Roger W. in fabricating. "There is less warp of
the material and a better cut."
AFE is currently using the machine for Alexis products and also
for other job shops and wishes to expand to any job shop wanting
high quality machined parts.
Content submitted by Mike Shull
Manufacturing Department
As we look at the manufacturing process, it becomes apparent
that just like the other aspects of Alexis Fire Equipment, the
process starts with customer expectations and ends with customer
satisfaction.
All aspects of manufacturing processes are ultimately driven
by and for the customer. “How” a task is accomplished
is the part controlled by Alexis Fire Equipment.
One aspect of the manufacturing processes which has been recently
updated is the engineering software. We currently have eight
draftsmen working with Autocad 2004. Three of the eight draftsman
also have been trained on the new solid modeling program from
Autodesk, called Inventor R8.
The Response 1 bodies and top mount pump modules have all been
modeled and we are in the process of finishing the pumper bodies.
Future looks bright. Soon a customer will be able to pick from
a menu on a computer screen the type of truck and the accessories
he wants and watch his picks come to life in a solid model.
Which can be viewed and rotated at any angle. Embedded in this
model will be the bill of materials and all production drawings.
Content submitted by Mike Shull
Refurb Department
Refurbishment of fire apparatus is nothing new to Alexis Fire
Equipment. At AFE refurbs, reconditioning, upgrades and repairs
have always been part of the service provided to our customers.
In the past, this type of work was scheduled and completed in
conjunction with new truck production. Due to the nature of
any refurb project, this would sometimes create problems for
both new trucks and the refurb projects.
Over the past year we have made many changes and improvements
in our manufacturing plant layout. We now have a dedicated floor
space and location specifically for refurb projects. To make
the refurb process more efficient, we have dedicated employees
for the refurb department. This enables the same team to work
on the project from beginning to end. This increases productivity
and quality by making fewer people accountable.
Our refurb department is capable of handling all types and levels
of fire apparatus refurbishment such as new booster tank replacement
(plastic and core-ten steel), rust repair, wreck damage repair,
compartment and body modifications, electrical and plumbing
system upgrades, partial and full cab and body repaints and
color changes.
Communication is key to successfully completing any refurb project.
The customer must be clear about what is expected to be done.
Hidden damage and unforeseen problems are sometimes found while
the project is being completed. It is our responsibility to
inform the customer when problems are found. We can let the
customer know about their options and any changes or additions
needed. As with our new truck production, it is our goal to
provide the customer with the same quality of craftsmanship
from the refurb department.
Content submitted by Doug Gau
Service Department
AFE Service Division has moved to a new facility that has increased
floor space and parts area to better serve customers. Also added
area in service department for body and paint repair.
Our in-field testing program has been a success this past year.
This has created a service for our customers to maintain their
apparatus much more conveniently then in the past.
Our service personnel have attended OEM training seminars at
Hale, Class One and Waterous and have also continued to obtain
their EVT certifications.
Some Service Tips:
1. When looking to have testing done on your apparatus, be sure
you are getting the proper test procedures done. The pump lubricant
should be changed and inspected before any testing is performed.
This will show any existing contamination or improper lubricant,
which could lead to a serious problem if not corrected.
2. Have foam system strainers periodically checked for contamination
or blockage.
3. With the introduction of the oil-less priming systems, some
of the lubricated systems seem to be neglected. Be aware of
the systems you have and have them serviced accordingly.
Should your department have any questions in regards to maintenance
testing, feel free to call our service department at your convenience.
Our service department offers in field service and testing.
We also offer pick-up and delivery of your apparatus for repair
if needed.
Content submitted by Brian Dillbeck,
Service Manager
Paint Shop
We are now using a new epoxy primer sealer which will give better
adhesion, chemical resistance and better overall durability
of the finish. Using the non-sanding epoxy will reduce the amount
of material used, and less man hours on the truck will help
reduce cost.
The Paint Shop has two new employees, Chris and Rick. Our plan
is to train the new workers to work as a team to completely
prep the truck for paint and to help finish out the truck after
painting. We are using a new type of spray gun which uses lower
air pressure and less material. This gives better atomization
of the paint.
Customers might be advised to make sure road salts are removed
from wheel well areas, seams, and other areas that could possibly
cause a corrosion problem.
Merchandise Department
Over 75 top brands of fire and rescue accessories carried. New
products include Aim Gas Detectors, North American Fire Hose,
FireFlir Thermal Imaging Camera, and Underwater Kinetics. Shop
Our Merchandise Store Online »
ISO Transition
ISO update - Transition completed to be certified under 2000
standard. The date of our transition audit was October 23-24,
2003. We are currently ISO 9001/2000 and previously were ISO
9001/1994. Our Registrar is AFAQ Ascert, International. The
definition of ISO is International Organization for Standardization.
ISO 9001:2000 states requirements for quality management systems
when it is necessary to demonstrate that an organization is
capable of effectively meeting customer and regulatory requirements.
Our Quality Objectives are to reduce build problems, reduce
warranty claims, and increase market share.
Article submitted by Diae Vollbracht
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