It wouldn’t look out of place among International Rescue’s battery of high-tech machines.
But this Thunderbirds-style piece of heavy-duty equipment comes courtesy of a Holme Valley company.
Brockholes-based fire fighting equipment supplier Rosenbauer UK this week delivered the advanced technology fire appliance to Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service.
And it marks a strong start to 2015 for the firm, which is seeking bigger premises in the Holme Valley and confidently expects to double its 16-strong workforce.
The futuristic fire engine features a 16.5 metres “Stinger” boom package able to deliver up to 6,000 litres of water a minute with a throw over 100 metres.
And the tip of the Stinger also carries a piercing tool able to penetrate industrial buildings and windows to enable water and foam to be pumped into the structure at height or low down.
The £500,000 machine is billed as a new and innovative concept in front line fire appliances which will help to increase the fleet ability and efficiency for Greater Manchester’s firefighters.
The machine aims to answer issues raised by cutbacks in spending by fire authorities across the UK which mean crews are often attending incidents with fewer personnel than previously.
The appliance will be the lightest combined unit in service in the UK, weighing about 16 tonnes fully laden. It will have cutting-edge infra red technology at the tip of the boom, plus a revolving staircase for the crew to mount and dismount the crew cab as safely as possible.
The contract is one of several recent gains for Rosenbauer UK, which is headed by managing director Oliver North.
Others include a deal to supply Surrey Fire & Rescue Service with the biggest municipal fire truck in the UK, which has an extending ladder able to reach 40ft into the air. The firm is also providing a Metz B32 aerial ladder platform built on a Volvo chassis for Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service.
Commenting on the AT deal, Rosenbauer Mr North said: “This increases the amount of technology on the front line.”
He added: “This new concept of fire appliance has been created in conjunction with continuous calls from Greater Manchester’s front line firefighters who have requested an increase in front line technology following more demanding environments in the field.
“The appliance also answers calls from Government with increased, innovative concepts being adopted in light of – at times – stretched crewing situations. I genuinely believe that the end result will produce the most technologically advanced front line fire appliance in the UK.”
Mr North said: “Our big recent contract wins – with our current order book – already effectively doubles our turnover again for this year to £8m. We’re now doing more manufacturing and currently bidding on a site to build on in Holmfirth to expand further and build more manufacturing warehouses.”
He said: “I want to keep the business in the Holme Valley where I grew up. When customers come from all over the UK they believe it is a great place to base a professional company.”
Rosenbauer UK was formed in April last year when Austrian fire vehicle and equipment manufacturer Rosenbauer International acquired a majority stake in Mr North’s North Fire plc.
Mr North retains a 25% holding in the company and North Fire’s team transferred across to the new organisation.
He said: “We are getting busier, but we still retain the same values that North Fire had. We have great people and a great work ethic.”
