Fire and rescue apparatus builder Pierce Manufacturing Inc. officially opened an $18.5 million expansion of its Grand Chute, Wis., facility on April 20. Strong growth in the fire, rescue and homeland security apparatus industry drove the need for the expansion.

Pierce says the additional capacity will help meet growing demand in the marketplace, enhance quality, reduce lead times for customers and streamline manufacturing processes.

“Our customers’ confidence in Pierce’s premium-quality apparatus [gave] us the confidence to move forward with this major expansion,” said John Randjelovic, president of Pierce. “We look forward to a very productive future, and to continue to provide our customers across North America and the world with the finest fire and rescue vehicles.”

Pierce received approval for the expansion from parent Oshkosh Truck Corp. in May 2005. Construction began in July 2005, and Pierce began moving manufacturing lines into the facility in December. Production operations began in January 2006, with no interruptions to schedules.