Aerial fire-apparatus manufacturer Ladder Tower in Ephrata is being sold as part of a $36.3 million transaction, it was announced Tuesday. Ladder Tower's owner, Smeal Fire Apparatus, has agreed to be acquired by Spartan Motors. The sale is expected to be finalized in January.
Ladder Tower, which makes aerial ladders and aerial platforms, has about 50 employees at its 68 Cocalico Creek Road plant, a Spartan spokeswoman said. Spartan, based in Charlotte, Michigan, supplies chassis to Smeal, based in Snyder, Nebraska.
Besides plants in Snyder and Ephrata, Smeal also has plants in Neligh, Nebraska, and Delavan, Wisconsin.
Smeal’s annual revenues are $100 million.
Spartan said the acquisition will speed the turnaround of its emergency response division, extend the division’s geographic reach and expand its product offerings.
Smeal said becoming part of a larger, well-capitalized publicly held company ensures continued investment in product development and continued delivery of products and services.
Spartan has 1,800 employees and posts annual revenues of $550 million.