Fraser Engineering of Lower Hutt have just completed a deal to supply 20 firetrucks to the South Australian Country Fire Service.
A new deal signed for another 46 trucks, proves that Kiwi companies can more than foot it with the best manufacturers in Australia.
The contracts were won under competitive tender, and now account for between 30-40% of the company’s output.
Managing director, Martin Simpson, says Fraser Engineering was perceived to produce high quality product while providing excellent value for money.
“With this second contract I feel that this has now been proven,” he says.
“I believe that we build the best trucks in the world. We’re an innovative engineering company that builds fire engines, rather than a fire engine building company.”
Simpson says that he also has a good reputation in Australia, having lived there in the past and building equipment for other Australian fire authorities and mining companies.
He also remains open when questioned on whether he would consider setting up an operation in Australia in there was enough demand.
“I have no plans to do so, but if the demand was there, well anything is possible.”
The Australian contacts have not seen their Kiwi operation expand significantly, due to the high amount of work they already have with the New Zealand Fire Service.
“Our next big expansion will focus on crash response and fire vehicles for airports. There are two open tenders coming up for the Auckland and Wellington airports,” says Simpson.
“We are very excited about competing in those tender processes, but we can’t disclose any details at this time.”
