Cumnock based fire engine builder Emergency One has had a visit from South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle.
From their factory site in the Caponacre Industrial Estate, the specialist engineering firm build vehicles tailored to the individual specifications of each fire brigade. From high reach appliances for Northern Ireland, to a new generation of fire engines for London Fire Brigade that are designed with improved space in the rear of the cab.
Emergency One’s 200 staff are turning out a new London Fire Engine at a rate of one a week, but even that’s just a fraction of the 250 or so they make each year. Closer to home, they’re also building a fleet of new Rapid Response Units (RRUs) for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
During his visit, Brian was shown around by Emergency One’s Managing Director Mike Madsen. The MSP was given a tour of the factory complex and on-site research and development facilities, including seeing the new 3-D printing systems which allows Emergency One to manufacture more components in-house.
Brian also sat down with Mr Madsen to hear about Emergency One’s ambitious plans to sell their appliances around the world. The two also discussed the business’s strong emphasis on skills development and the importance of ensuring young people in the area have the support and opportunity to access training and apprenticeship schemes.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“It was a pleasure to visit Emergency one and hear more about what they do. I think it will come as a surprise to some people that so many of the fire engines being used across the UK come from here in Cumnock.
It’s great to see a business like this growing and thriving in Ayrshire. Emergency One have an impressive commitment to recruiting, training and retaining local apprentices and staff and that’s something we need to see more of. There’s a huge amount of talent within Ayrshire and firms like Emergency One demonstrate the kind of success that can come when that talent is given a chance to flourish.
I’m excited to see what the next steps for the business are as they continue to innovate and design the next generation of fire appliances and I’ll do whatever I can to help them succeed.”
Mike Madsen (Managing Director) said:
“I was delighted to show Brian around our manufacturing site. We are proud of what we are achieving within the UK Fire market, but equally, we recognise that we have much more work to do, both within the UK and in targeted export markets worldwide. Without doubt, our people are the key to our success, so it was encouraging to hear commitment to help support our training and development schemes wherever possible.”
