New custom fire apparatus production model strengthens workflow efficiency, quality and operator safety while supporting Pierce’s multi-year manufacturing modernization strategy.
APPLETON, Wis. (March 25, 2026) – Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) business, announced today the successful launch of Phase I of its new High Flow production line at the company’s Appleton, Wisconsin manufacturing campus which modernizes the custom chassis assembly process. The High Flow Line represents another major milestone in Pierce’s multi-year modernization initiative and ongoing $150 million investment across manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, Florida and Tennessee to expand production capacity, improve quality and reduce fire apparatus lead times.
The High Flow Line introduces a redesigned manufacturing model focused on balanced workloads, enhanced quality controls within the production line and integrated technology to promote safety, efficiency and consistency. Phase I implementation is already delivering measurable improvements across the custom chassis production process, reinforcing Pierce’s commitment to delivering high-quality custom fire apparatus to firehouses faster. Subsequent phases will transform the remaining final assembly operations in the second half of 2026.
“These investments reflect our continued focus on transforming how custom fire apparatus are built to meet the needs of modern firefighting,” said Marty Bass, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “By integrating High Flow production principles with advanced technology and expanded facilities, we’re creating safer, more efficient work environments for our team members while accelerating lead time reductions for our customers. We’ve already reduced lead times by more than three months from their peak, and we expect this next phase will build on that momentum.”
With improved workflow design and closer alignment of labor and resources, Pierce continues to accelerate backlog reduction while maintaining its high standards of customization, craftsmanship and performance.
Phase I also incorporates expanded use of digital work instructions, improved tooling, ergonomic workstations and advanced inspection technologies to support safe operations and production consistency. These enhancements complement other recent investments at the Appleton campus, including advanced automation, robotics, fabrication technologies and expanded paint capacity, all designed to strengthen quality, efficiency and production flow.
The High Flow Line is one component of Pierce’s broader manufacturing transformation. Across its operations, the company has added more than 500,000 square feet of facility space, invested over $70 million to date, and hired approximately 800 new team members. Together, these initiatives reinforce Pierce’s long-term commitment to innovation, workforce growth, and delivering quality fire apparatus for communities and first responders across the country.
Bass added, “With High Flow, we’re embedding continuous improvement into every stage of production. This approach helps eliminate waste, simplify work and elevate customer quality while creating a more consistent, predictable manufacturing process that supports our teams and our customers.”
Additional phases of the High Flow Line are planned as Pierce continues implementing its modernized production model across operations.
For more information on Pierce fire apparatus and manufacturing investments, visit www.piercemfg.com/expansion.
Topics: Business Updates