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 Flyer »


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.


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!


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!

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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


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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'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.


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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