CHARLOTTE, Mich., Aug. 4, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maximizing value through preventative maintenance was the focus of several training sessions at the 17th Annual Fire Truck Training Conference hosted by Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR). The event was attended by 166 fire truck service personnel from across North America, for comprehensive service training on the company's products and services.
Attendance at the event, which was held in Lansing, Michigan, July 31-August 4, increased over the previous year. As more communities face increasingly stringent budget limitations, Spartan Chassis anticipates growth in the number of departments that will begin performing their own vehicle inspections, preventative maintenance and repairs.
"Holding down the cost of repairs, increasing safety and minimizing equipment downtime have always been a focus, but are now major priorities for fire departments already facing intense financial pressures," said Bill Foster, co-founder and Vice President of Spartan Motors. "Technology, emissions, safety standards and customization add complexity to the chassis we manufacture. Communities depend on these vehicles to keep them safe and it is vital that we offer the formal training needed by technicians to maintain and service our products to help keep them operational."
The conference featured 40+ seminars with a focus on three professional tracks including Basic Operation and Maintenance, Service Repair, and Heavy Repair. Each seminar offered fire truck service personnel a comprehensive understanding, hands-on demonstrations of vehicle components and systems, and preparation for Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Certification exams that were held during the week. Courses were led by training specialists from Spartan Chassis and major suppliers of fire vocational equipment.
The 18th Annual Spartan Chassis Fire Truck Training Conference will be held October 14-18, 2012 at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Michigan. Additional conference information and registration will be available online at spartanchassis.com in mid-2012.
About Spartan Chassis
Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Charlotte, Mich.-based Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), 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™, Crimson Fire™, Crimson Fire Aerials™, and Utilimaster® - are known for quality, value, service and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 1,700 at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Indiana, Florida, and Texas. Spartan reported sales of $481 million in 2010 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.