INDIANAPOLIS, April 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spartan Chassis, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), expanded its product offering with the launch of Series 75 Aerial debuted at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Ind. A cab and a chassis with a mounted 75' aerial ladder, the Series 75 immediately expands the market opportunity of its 44 Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partners.
"The release of the Series 75 allows for greater breadth of opportunity for all of our OEMs," said Dennis Schneider, President of Spartan Emergency Response. "The line provides a field-proven product that meets the needs of the emergency response market. Within the next year, the product offering will be quickly expanded to include a 100' platform."
Comprised of an all-steel chassis, the Series 75 Aerial provides the option to operate as an attack engine or ladder truck. Easy to maneuver in tight areas, the Series 75 Aerial enables fast knockdown with its 500 gallon water capacity. Offering great overall serviceability and low cost of ownership, this line of ladder-equipped cab/chassis is NFPA-compliant and delivers superior overall performance.
Additionally, Spartan Chassis has further expanded the market for its 44 OEM partners with the introduction of the Latitude, a one-of-a-kind device that redefines versatility. The Latitude combines multiple functions into a single multi-function tool: (i) Reach: a boom which elevates 28', (ii) Brute Force: it can lift up to 1,000 lbs., (iii) Power Extension: the Latitude provides both hydraulic and compressed air to deliver power where it is needed, (iv) Illumination: 6,000 watts of halogen light, (v) Elevated Master Stream: including 360 degrees of rotation and extension of -10 degrees to +90 degrees.
The introduction of the Series 75 and Latitude illustrate Spartan Chassis' continued efforts to support the business growth of all 44 OEM partners. These two introductions are driven by the strategy to leverage and extend the Company's core markets.
Spartan Motors' business strategy is embodied in The Spartan D.R.I.V.E. Plan, a five-point business approach.
D.R.I.V.E.
- Diversified Growth
- Redefining Technology and Innovation, Develop Exciting Products Value
- Integration of the Enterprise to Achieve Operational Improvement
- Vibrant Culture
- Extend Our Core Markets
Building on this plan, D.R.I.V.E. encourages heightened focus, teamwork and a common approach. It will align associate efforts and emphasize the importance of both collaboration and integration across business units. This strategy will enable diversification and limit exposure to industry cyclicality.
About Spartan Chassis, Inc.
Spartan Chassis, Inc. is a world-class leader in the engineering, manufacturing and marketing of chassis and aftermarket parts for emergency response, recreational vehicle (RV), defense and specialty vehicles. End users recognize and request the Spartan Chassis brand, which consistently delivers superior performance, exceptional safety ratings and innovations which distinguish us from the competition. Visit Spartan Chassis at www.spartanchassis.com.
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, government services, defense, and delivery and service markets. The Company's brand names – Spartan™, Spartan Chassis™, Spartan ER™, Spartan ERV™ and Utilimaster® - are known for quality, performance, service and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 1,700 associates at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Indiana and Florida. Spartan reported sales of $471 million in 2012 and is focused on becoming a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of specialty vehicles and chassis. Visit Spartan Motors at www.spartanmotors.com.
This release contains several forward-looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning our business, strategic position, financial strength, future plans, objectives, and the performance of our products. These statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "potential," "future," "may," "will," "should," and similar expressions regarding future expectations. These forward-looking statements involve various known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, and likelihood. Therefore, actual performance and results may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could contribute to these differences include operational and other complications that may arise affecting the implementation of our plans and business objectives; continued pressures caused by economic conditions and the pace and extent of the economic recovery; challenges that may arise in connection with the integration of new businesses or assets we acquire or the disposition of assets; issues unique to government contracting, such as competitive bidding processes, qualification requirements, and delays or changes in funding; disruptions within our dealer network; changes in our relationships with major customers, suppliers, or other business partners, including Isuzu; changes in the demand or supply of products within our markets or raw materials needed to manufacture those products; and changes in laws and regulations affecting our business. Other factors that could affect outcomes are set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available at www.sec.gov or our website. All forward-looking statements in this release are qualified by this paragraph. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.