September 17, 2010
As the nation’s largest privately owned fire apparatus manufacturer, KME is primarily recognized as a sole-source manufacturer of fire-rescue apparatus. However, the Organization is also a leader in supplying customized, specialty vehicles for petro-chemical, industrial, aviation, energy, commercial, military, and law enforcement clients. Effective today, all truck product divisions will now simply be marketed under KME. The brand has also undergone a logo change and launched a new website to better articulate the company’s wide range of custom vehicles for both government and commercial markets.
KME will continue to focus heavily on the emergency services market; however customers will now have better access to a full range of specialty vehicles. For example, municipalities that enjoy a fire apparatus relationship with KME may also have an interest in a police or municipal heavy truck relationship as well.
The new brand also calls attention to the ongoing evolution and innovation of the organization. Even in today’s competitive and economically challenging landscape, KME continues to engineer new product designs such as the leading FORCE ARFF vehicle (aircraft rescue fire fighting), the new KME Legacy AerialCat, and the safest fire truck chassis in the fire service, the KME Predator. The world-class manufacturing facility in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania has also been expanded and updated with new paint lines, state of the art manufacturing equipment, and a new training center. And KME has strengthened their global presence, serving markets in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America while maintaining a strong factory sales and service presence in North America.
“The KME name has built up tremendous brand recognition for our truly custom fire apparatus both in the U.S. and globally. While that’s an essential part of our business, it’s important that we also emphasize our full line of vehicles for other markets we serve,” says John Kovatch III, President and CEO.
The logo change also emphasizes the Kovatch legacy. Since founding the company in 1946, the Kovatch family continues to bring their signature customer-focused philosophy to the Organization. Today, second, third, and fourth generation Kovatch family members play a vital, involved role in KME. The Kovatch family ensures that customers are supported with all the Organization’s resources from initial vehicle specs through post-sale, expert service and support.
“KME is a full-service entity with dedicated employees working every day to deliver reliable, high-performance vehicles and stand-out customer service at a fair value. We continue to be fiercely independent and privately held so that we can make the best decisions for our employees and customers instead of responding to investment market demands,” says Kovatch.