Stellar Industries has acquired Midwest Fire, a Minnesota-based manufacturer of custom fire apparatus, expanding Stellar's vehicle portfolio into the fire and emergency response market.

Midwest Fire manufactures brush trucks, pumpers, tankers, tanker-pumpers, quick-attack vehicles, mini pumpers, and Type 3 trucks for fire departments. The company has been building fire apparatus since 1987.

The acquisition adds fire apparatus to Stellar's existing work-truck and utility equipment operations. Stellar's portfolio also includes Elliott Equipment Company, which manufactures truck-mounted aerial work platforms, digger derricks, and cranes used in municipal, utility, and other applications.

“While fire apparatus represents a new market for Stellar, Midwest Fire’s commitment to solid manufacturing and quality products is very familiar to us,” said Dave Zrostlik, president of Stellar. “This acquisition represents an exciting step forward as we expand into an adjacent market.”

What's Next for Midwest Fire?

Midwest Fire will continue to operate as a distinct company under Stellar rather than being absorbed into its existing operations.

Its headquarters and manufacturing operations will remain in Luverne, Minnesota. Stellar said it will work with Midwest Fire employees, customers, and vendors as the companies move through the integration process.

Eligible Midwest Fire employees will also become participants in Stellar's Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Stellar is a 100% employee-owned company.

For public-sector customers, the acquisition brings Midwest Fire's nearly four decades of fire apparatus manufacturing experience into a broader organization that already manufactures equipment serving municipal and utility operations.