FDIC 2017

[npfd801]

So they're dropping the current Spartan line?

 

That's disappointing, having experience working off of one, although the rig had it's problems, very few had anything to do with the aerial itself. I thought it was pretty nice.

 

I had heard this rumor too, that all Spartan/Smeal products would wear all Smeal aerials.  I took that LTC would be left to rot as well.  

 

Here's my take.  Smeal got in trouble over extending themselves to begin with, and couldn't keep up with the increased demand of so many orders from so many new dealers.  Part of that problem is having enough skilled labor making the stuff you build.  How in the hell is Smeal going to continue to draw skilled labor in the middle of nowhere, with a now even higher demand for skilled laborers to build these aerials?  Hopefully they use more than one plant to build the Smeal design...  They should keep LTC as well, in my opinion.  This coming from a department that runs a Smeal ladder.

 

In general, Smeal was losing money very quickly.  Spartan has NEVER made money, as far as I can tell, on their emergency products side of the business, for at least the last few years.  At what point do Spartan's share holders say enough and that whole mess is done with?