Lingate completes sale of Midwest Fire Equipment to Stellar Industries

GARNER, IA – Stellar Industries, a 100% employee-owned manufacturer of service vehicles, utility equipment and trailers has acquired Midwest Fire Equipment, a custom fire apparatus manufacturer headquartered in Luverne, MN. The acquisition expands Stellar’s purpose-built work truck portfolio into the fire and emergency response market, adding Midwest Fire’s nearly four decades of specialized apparatus experience to Stellar’s manufacturing capabilities.

“While fire apparatus represents a new market for Stellar, Midwest Fire’s commitment to solid manufacturing and quality products is very familiar to us.” said Dave Zrostlik, Stellar Industries President. “This acquisition represents an exciting step forward as we expand into an adjacent market built on quality, trust and service.”

Since 1987, Midwest Fire has worked alongside firefighters to design and manufacture custom fire trucks, including brush trucks, pumpers, tankers, tanker pumpers, quick-attacks, mini pumpers, and Type 3 trucks. Midwest Fire will operate as a distinct company under the Stellar umbrella of brands. Its headquarters and operations will remain in Luverne, MN.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the Stellar family of brands,” said Sarah Atchison, President and CEO of Midwest Fire. “Stellar’s manufacturing knowledge and capabilities are sure to support our brand in ways that otherwise might not be possible, and we are excited for our customers to experience the difference.”

Minneapolis-based Lingate Financial Group represented Midwest Fire’s family ownership group in the transition of the company and conducted a national marketing effort on the company’s behalf. Founded in 1945, Lingate helps business owners with market-based valuations, business sales, mergers, acquisitions, recapitalizations, and internal transitions among family members, partners and management.