The fire truck manufacturing industry in the US focuses on designing and producing specialist vehicles essential for emergency response. Companies range from large corporates like Oshkosh Corporation to smaller niche players, providing innovative technologies and equipment tailored to support firefighters on duty. Industry growth is driven by advancements in safety, automation, and green technologies. As urban areas expand and demands for fire protection services increase, investment in modern fire apparatus becomes vital. Intriguingly, the introduction of electric fire trucks is gaining traction, showcasing a move toward sustainability within the sector, and promising a more efficient approach to fire emergencies.


This article highlights 14 notable investors in the US fire truck manufacturing space. These investors comprise prominent private equity firms and corporate investors, primarily located in major cities like New York and Boston. Founded between the 1970s and 2010s, these firms vary in size, managing anywhere from several hundred to over 15,000 employees. Notably, while some, like KKR, boast a 2024 deal count exceeding 70, others like Audax Group remain engaged with fewer transactions, showcasing a mix of aggressive growth strategies and more targeted investments.


Top 14 Fire Truck Manufacturing Investors in the US


1. The Riverside Company


The Riverside Company is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in providing flexible capital solutions and strategic guidance to smaller middle-market businesses across various industries. Founded in 1988, Riverside manages a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies globally. Notably, Riverside has made significant strides in the fire and life safety sector, exemplified by its acquisition of Advanced Fire Protection Systems in February 2023, aimed at enhancing services in this critical area. This acquisition, along with their previous investments in related sectors, positions Riverside as a relevant player in the fire safety industry, which includes potential connections to fire truck manufacturing.


2. Oshkosh Corporation

  • Website: oshkoshcorp.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Oshkosh, Wisconsin, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1917
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: oshkosh-corporation

Oshkosh Corporation is a prominent vehicle manufacturer based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, specializing in the design and production of specialty trucks, military vehicles, and access equipment. Founded in 1917, the company has a long-standing history of serving both government and commercial customers with innovative solutions tailored for challenging operational environments. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 employees, Oshkosh operates globally and is committed to advanced technology and community engagement. Notably, Oshkosh Corporation has made significant strides in the fire truck manufacturing sector, highlighted by its acquisition of Pierce Manufacturing in 1996, which has established them as a key player in this market. Furthermore, their acquisition of an ownership stake in Boise Mobile Equipment in 2021, a provider of fire equipment, underscores their ongoing investment in fire-related products. These strategic acquisitions reflect Oshkosh's dedication to enhancing its portfolio in the fire truck manufacturing industry.


3. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a leader in asset management, providing solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. In recent years, KKR has made significant strides in the fire safety sector, acquiring companies such as Potter Global Technologies, a manufacturer of fire and life safety equipment, and Marmic Fire & Safety, which focuses on fire equipment inspection and maintenance services. These strategic acquisitions reflect KKR's commitment to supporting growth in the fire safety industry, enhancing its portfolio with companies that play a crucial role in emergency response and safety. KKR's involvement in financing Clarience Technologies, which has ties to Safe Fleet, further underscores its investment strategy in sectors related to fire safety and emergency services.


4. The Carlyle Group

  • Website: carlyle.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on driving long-term value for its clients, Carlyle serves a range of institutional investors, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds. Notably, Carlyle has made significant investments in sectors that intersect with fire safety and emergency services. For instance, their acquisition of Sciens Building Solutions in November 2021 highlights their commitment to the fire safety industry, as Sciens is a full-service commercial fire and life safety company. This strategic move positions Carlyle within a market that is directly relevant to fire truck manufacturing, as fire trucks are essential for emergency response and fire safety operations. Additionally, Carlyle's diverse investment strategy allows them to leverage their expertise across various sectors, potentially benefiting companies involved in fire truck manufacturing.


5. TransDigm Group Inc.

  • Website: transdigm.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1993
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: transdigm-goup-inc-

TransDigm Group Incorporated is a corporate investor based in Cleveland, Ohio, specializing in engineered aerospace components for commercial and military aircraft. Founded in 1993, the company employs over 10,000 people and operates through a disciplined acquisition strategy, focusing on proprietary aerospace businesses with significant aftermarket content. In 2024, TransDigm completed the acquisition of SEI Industries LTD, a provider of engineered products for aerial firefighting, which is expected to generate approximately $30 million in revenue. This acquisition aligns with TransDigm's strategy of enhancing its proprietary and aftermarket-focused value generation. Additionally, TransDigm has a history of acquiring companies that contribute to its core business, including DART Aerospace and Breeze-Eastern Corporation, which further solidifies its position in the aerospace sector, but the SEI acquisition specifically highlights its engagement in the firefighting industry.


6. Audax Private Equity


Audax Private Equity is a private equity firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in investment management and capital growth. Founded in 1999, the firm partners with middle-market companies across various sectors, providing financial resources and strategic guidance to enhance operations and achieve significant growth. Audax employs a Buy & Build approach, optimizing the value of its portfolio companies through targeted investments and operational support. Notably, Audax has made strategic acquisitions in industries related to safety and manufacturing, including Academy Fire Life Safety, which focuses on fire safety solutions, and Justrite Manufacturing Company, a leading manufacturer of industrial safety products. These transactions highlight Audax's engagement in sectors that intersect with fire safety and manufacturing, suggesting a potential interest in the fire truck manufacturing industry.


7. Audax Group

  • Website: audaxgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn: audax-group

Audax Group is a private equity investment firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1999. With approximately $39 billion in assets under management, Audax specializes in providing tailored financing solutions to middle market companies, helping them grow and build value. The firm has a diverse portfolio, having made several acquisitions in various sectors. Notably, they acquired AI Fire in April 2017, which is directly related to fire safety, indicating their interest in the fire-related sector. Other relevant transactions include Justrite Manufacturing, which produces safety products that could be utilized in fire truck operations, and Checkers Industrial Safety Products, which focuses on safety equipment. These transactions highlight Audax's capability and interest in sectors that intersect with fire truck manufacturing, making them a noteworthy investor in this space.


8. Toyota Ventures

  • Website: toyota.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Los Altos, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: toyota-ai-ventures

Toyota Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Los Altos, California, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups that focus on frontier technologies, including artificial intelligence, mobility, and climate solutions. Toyota Ventures not only provides capital but also offers strategic support and operational guidance to help startups succeed in bringing their innovative solutions to market. Among its notable transactions, Toyota Ventures invested in BurnBot, which raised $20 million in a Series A round aimed at developing firefighting technology. This investment indicates a potential interest in the fire truck manufacturing sector. Additionally, Toyota Ventures has participated in funding rounds for companies like Third Wave Automation, which, while not directly related to fire trucks, showcases the firm's engagement in automation and technology that could intersect with the manufacturing and operational aspects of fire response vehicles.


9. IDEX Corporation

  • Website: idexcorp.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Northbrook, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: idex-corporation

IDEX Corporation, founded in 1987 and based in Northbrook, Illinois, is a corporate investor specializing in fluidics systems, optics systems, and fire and rescue equipment. With a workforce of 5001-10000 employees, IDEX serves a diverse range of customers across healthcare, manufacturing, and emergency services, providing critical products that enhance operational efficiency and safety. Notably, IDEX has made significant acquisitions in the fire and rescue equipment sector, including the acquisition of Akron Brass in March 2016 for $224 million, which is a well-known manufacturer of fire truck equipment. Additionally, IDEX acquired Manfred Vetter GmbH in January 2004, a company that produces rescue and environmental protection equipment, further solidifying its presence in the emergency services market. These strategic acquisitions reflect IDEX's commitment to expanding its capabilities in the fire truck manufacturing and emergency response sectors.


10. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a prominent investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a diverse portfolio that includes private equity, real estate, and credit solutions for both institutional and individual investors. Notably, Blackstone has made significant strides in the fire safety sector with its acquisition of AI Fire for $1.1 billion in February 2025, which positions them within the fire truck manufacturing context. This acquisition, along with their history of investing in industrial products through companies like Gates Global, showcases their commitment to building strong businesses across various sectors, including those related to emergency response and safety equipment.


11. Monomoy Capital Partners


Monomoy Capital Partners is a private equity firm founded in 2005, based in the United States, specializing in middle-market investments. The firm provides strategic capital and operational expertise to industrial and consumer businesses, helping them achieve sustainable growth. Monomoy focuses on companies facing critical transitions, offering tailored support to enhance operational performance and drive value creation. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Trinity Highway Products, which operates in the transportation sector, and Shaw Development, LLC, a manufacturer of diesel exhaust fluid systems. These acquisitions reflect Monomoy's strategy to invest in companies that can benefit from their operational expertise, potentially extending to the fire truck manufacturing industry.


12. MSA - The Safety Company


MSA - The Safety Company, founded in 1914 and based in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, is a corporate investor specializing in safety equipment manufacturing. The company provides a wide range of products designed to protect individuals in hazardous environments, including gas detection instruments, respiratory protection, and firefighter safety gear. MSA operates through a network of distributors and emphasizes safety evaluations for its customers. Notably, MSA has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the firefighter safety market, including the acquisition of Globe Holding Company for $215 million, which enhances their offerings in firefighter protective equipment. Additionally, MSA led a series B investment in Fotokite, a company that develops autonomous tethered drones for firefighting, showcasing their commitment to innovative safety solutions. These transactions highlight MSA's active role in the fire service industry, making them a relevant investor in the fire truck manufacturing sector.


13. Federal Signal Corporation


Federal Signal Corporation, founded in 1901 and based in Oak Brook, Illinois, is a corporate investor specializing in manufacturing equipment solutions for public safety, sewer cleaning, and industrial cleaning. The company has a diverse product range that serves municipalities and contractors, helping them maintain essential infrastructure and ensure community health. In recent years, Federal Signal has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its position in the specialized vehicle market. Notably, they acquired Ground Force Worldwide for $45 million, which is expected to strengthen their offerings in specialized vehicles. Additionally, the acquisition of TowHaul Corporation for $46.1 million further emphasizes their commitment to expanding their capabilities in this sector. These transactions highlight Federal Signal's focus on innovation and sustainability while also positioning them as a player in the fire truck manufacturing context.


14. Honeywell

  • Website: honeywell.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: honeywell

Honeywell International Inc. is a technology company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, that provides innovative solutions across various sectors, including aerospace, building automation, and energy. Founded in 2017, Honeywell has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and has been actively investing in enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability through advanced technologies. Notably, Honeywell has made strategic acquisitions in the fire safety sector, such as The Gamewell Co., a manufacturer of commercial fire control panels and emergency life-safety systems, which became part of Honeywell's Fire Systems Group. Additionally, the acquisition of Xtralis, a provider of advanced smoke detection technologies, further strengthens Honeywell's offerings in critical infrastructure protection. These investments highlight Honeywell's focus on fire safety solutions, making it a relevant player in the fire truck manufacturing context.



Fire Truck Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
Oshkosh CorporationOshkosh, Wisconsin, United States (USA)10001+19173
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
TransDigm Group Inc.Cleveland, Ohio, United States (USA)10001+19932
Audax Private EquityBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)201-50019995
Audax GroupBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)201-50019990
Toyota VenturesLos Altos, California, United States (USA)11-50201721
IDEX CorporationNorthbrook, Illinois, United States (USA)5001-1000019871
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
Monomoy Capital PartnersUnited States (USA)51-20020053
MSA - The Safety CompanyCranberry Township, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)1001-500019140
Federal Signal CorporationOak Brook, Illinois, United States (USA)1001-500019011
HoneywellCharlotte, North Carolina, United States (USA)10001+20177


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