CHARLOTTE, Mich., Oct. 24, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What started out as a simple vision for Spartan Motors, Inc. co-founder Bill Foster, has stood the test of time as the company recently completed its 20th Annual Fire Truck Training Conference (FTTC) in Lansing, Michigan at the Lansing Center. Spartan Chassis, Inc. ("Spartan" or "Company"), a business unit of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), hosted its annual five-day technician training conference focused on maximizing value through preventative maintenance. The event experienced a 15-percent participant increase over 2013, as 166-fire truck technicians from across the United States, South America and Canada attended.
Technicians prepared for Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) certification exams held during the week. Throughout the duration of the event, 224 EVT certification tests were completed, a 50% increase in the number of tests completed during last year's training conference. The 224 completed tests during FTTC currently ranks third in the United States in 2014, behind Texas and Florida with 258 and 243, respectively.
"When Spartan started the Fire Truck Training Conference in the mid 1990s, we averaged roughly 30-40 attendees. Now, we regularly welcome over 100 individuals on a yearly basis for FTTC," said Foster, Vice President of Spartan Motors, Inc. "Over that time, the complexities of the fleets have also become more intricate. Emergency response vehicles are depended upon daily by the communities they serve, so keeping them in safe, working condition is vital. It is imperative that we offer the required training needed for the service technician to maintain the fleet for the community. Encouraging improved fleet management, minimizing the cost of repairs and reducing equipment downtime has always been our focus, but are now major priorities for fire departments already facing intense financial pressures."
With service personnel unable to continue their education beyond Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification, Foster set out 20 years ago to establish a curriculum to train mechanics with Spartan products. After spending the first few years in Olivet, Michigan at Olivet College, Foster and Spartan began to see increased demand to attend the Fire Truck Training Conference, thus forcing Spartan to seek a larger venue for the event. The Company proceeded with its conference and utilized facilities at Michigan State University and the Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek before establishing roots at the Lansing Center.
