Excerpts from the paragraph.com:
Several Illinois cities are banding together to pursue legal action after, they claim, a fire equipment maker stiffed them on warranty repairs.
Bloomington and Normal are among seven cities considering an alliance to pursue any and all legal remedies against Pierce Manufacturing of Appleton, Wis.
Of Normal’s five fire engines and two ladder trucks, six have corroded chassis, including two so badly damaged that they’re out of service. Repairs are estimated at $90,000 per vehicle, which the town wants Pierce to pay for under a 50-year warranty on each chassis offered by the company.
“It is our understanding … that Pierce has been denying similar claims, asserting that the apparatus were not properly washed, considering the salt that is present on our roadways during the winter,” according to the memo. “Our fire department washes each fire apparatus every day.”
In response, the town staff has requested it enter into an agreement with Bloomington, Champaign, Charleston, Decatur, Ottawa and Peoria to fight back. The City Council will consider that agreement when it meets today.
#1 by Jason on July 30, 2017 - 9:16 AM
Harry,
Actually Pierce is not being sold as much in this area as it used to be. They have service/repair issues, E-One is selling a decent amount of rigs in this area.
#2 by CrabbyMilton on July 6, 2017 - 5:56 AM
All vehicles will eventually have rust even if it’s a small amount here and there and repairs are within reason. But this is the frame and after less than 10 years.
#3 by harry on July 5, 2017 - 11:05 PM
well honestly all firetrucks have rust it will be interesting if these depts. will buy pierce again I bet they do because lets face it pierce builds some very reliable vehicles
#4 by MABAS 21 on July 5, 2017 - 9:00 PM
The oblivious corporate staff at Pierce needs to wake up because their arrogance will cost them many loyal diehard customers. Just because they are one of the top rated fire apparatus manufacturers in the world, doesn’t mean that they have a Hall Pass to take shortcuts with quality craftsmanship, materials and labor. Keep in mind Pierce what happened to American LaFrance.
#5 by Michael M on July 5, 2017 - 6:24 PM
I know Normal has bought all Pierce Apparatus the last one was in 2014. That is sad that of the seven companies Normal has, six have corroded chassis. I hope someone at Pierce realizes that they need to honor the warranty and make the necessary repairs! Salt on the streets, you will find that on every city street in the Midwest in the winter! Give me a break!
#6 by Mike C on July 5, 2017 - 4:43 PM
Hope to see other departments jump on board with this class action lawsuit!