Pierce details $150m investment to reduce fire truck delays

Pierce outlines new investments

Pierce Manufacturing has said it has invested $50 million since 2022 to address extended fire truck delivery times, with a further $100 million planned.

The company’s Vice President of Sales, Dan Meyer, gave an opening statement to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Disaster Management, District of Columbia and Census on 10 September 2025.

He said Pierce has increased its workforce by more than 25 percent in under three years, adding nearly 800 jobs.

He said the company has also expanded its manufacturing space by 28 percent, adding nearly 500,000 square feet.

Meyer said: “Since lead times began to extend in 2022, Pierce has invested approximately $50 million to increase throughput, and we have another $100 million on the way.

“In less than three years, Pierce grew our workforce by more than 25%, adding nearly 800 good-paying American jobs.

“We expanded our manufacturing space by 28%, adding nearly 500,000 square feet.

“In short, we are significantly increasing investment to meet the needs of our customers – and our ship-rate reflects our commitment.

“That said, Pierce recognizes the need to provide options for our customers. For departments that don’t want to wait for custom fire apparatus, we produce stock trucks, which are built to standard specifications and are available immediately.”

Pierce on cost pressures

Meyer addressed the issue of rising costs in fire apparatus production, noting the broader supply chain and labour conditions affecting the industry.

Meyer said: “I also want to emphasize that Pierce has always been committed to being fair, honest, and transparent about costs.

“The costs to make fire trucks, like other heavy equipment, climbed substantially in recent years due to supply chain and labor disruptions across industries.

“While material costs in the fire truck manufacturing process remain high – at Pierce – price increases have slowed significantly.”

Pierce on consolidation

Meyer also spoke about industry consolidation, addressing concerns raised during the hearing about limited competition among major manufacturers.

Meyer said: “Finally, I understand the Subcommittee is interested in reports of consolidation in the fire truck manufacturing industry.

“I want to be clear: neither Oshkosh nor Pierce has acquired any other U.S.-based fire truck manufacturer.

“I am deeply proud that our growth has been organic: driven by innovation, a commitment to our customers, and high-quality support for Pierce trucks long after they leave our factory floor.

“Our plan for growth is to continue investing in our business and our people, not through acquisitions.

“I know our customers have choices when purchasing their trucks, and Pierce fiercely competes with dozens of manufacturers wherever we sell.

“These choices are also reflected in our aftermarket business, where customers have a choice in who services their vehicles.”

Pierce on lead time progress

Meyer said the company acknowledged the problem early and has shipped more trucks in the past quarter than any time in its history.

Meyer said: “I share the Subcommittee’s serious concern about the industry-wide prolonged lead times seen since the pandemic, when demand for fire apparatus skyrocketed as supply chains and labor became strained.

“The current lead times, which are a function of that demand spike, are unacceptable, and Pierce remains laser-focused on reducing them to pre-pandemic norms.

“I’m happy to share that – while there is work left to do, Pierce has been making progress.

“We shipped more trucks last quarter than any other in Pierce’s history.

“We acknowledged the lead time problem as soon as it emerged, and we have made – and will continue to make – historic investments to increase throughput.”

Senate hearing context

The Senate hearing also heard from firefighter organisations, fire chiefs, and legal experts on the impacts of delays and costs.

Edward Kelly of the International Association of Fire Fighters told senators that shortages left departments deploying staff in pickup trucks, while Dennis Rubin of Kansas City Fire Department described price increases and three-year waits for delivery.

Basel Musharbash of the Antimonopoly Council said a Federal Trade Commission Section 6(b) study could clarify whether practices by larger manufacturers created barriers to competition.

Jason Shivers of the International Association of Fire Chiefs reported that vehicle costs have risen by up to 25 percent since 2020 and said delivery times now extend as far as four years. He cited a mix of supply chain shortages, workforce pressures, and federal policy changes as drivers of the problem.

Pierce on commitment to firefighters

Meyer closed his statement by emphasising Pierce’s long-standing role in the fire service.

Meyer said: “It’s a privilege to be here alongside witnesses that include such distinguished fire service leaders.

“President Kelly and Chief Rubin are public servants dedicated to making our communities safer.

“That is why I take their concerns so seriously.

“At Pierce, we are unwavering in our support of the American fire service.

“We will always honor our more than century-long commitment to being transparent with our customers.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Pierce’s testimony outlines measures it is taking to address delays that have been widely reported by fire service organisations.

The company’s comments confirm the scale of investment in facilities, workforce and production capacity, alongside the option of stock vehicles.

The context from the Senate hearing shows how these industry conditions affect operational readiness and procurement planning for departments nationwide.

Pierce details $150m investment to reduce fire truck delays: Summary

Pierce said it has invested $50 million since 2022.

It said a further $100 million is planned.

It said the workforce grew by more than 25 percent.

It said nearly 800 jobs have been added.

It said facilities expanded by 28 percent.

It said this equals 500,000 square feet of new space.

It said stock trucks are available immediately.

It said costs rose due to supply chain and labour pressures.

It said price increases have slowed.

It said it has not acquired other US fire truck manufacturers.

It said its growth has been organic.

It said it competes with other producers in the market.

It said customers have choices in aftermarket servicing.

It said it aims to reduce lead times to pre-pandemic levels.

It said it shipped more trucks last quarter than ever before.

It said it will continue investing in its operations and workforce.

It said it remains committed to supporting the fire service.