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Gallery: A look back at American LaFrance

This c. 1890 photograph shows the LaFrance Manufacturing Company, which was founded in 1873 in Elmira and sold hand-powered fire fighting equipment. The company merged with the American Fire Engine Company in 1903, forming the American LaFrance Company.
This c. 1890 photograph shows the LaFrance Manufacturing Company, which was founded in 1873 in Elmira and sold hand-powered fire fighting equipment. The company merged with the American Fire Engine Company in 1903, forming the American LaFrance Company.
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This photo shows an early piece of hand-pulled fire fighting equipment manufactured by American LaFrance in Elmira. The company also produced horse drawn equipment, and delivered its first motorized fire engine in 1907.
This photo shows an early piece of hand-pulled fire fighting equipment manufactured by American LaFrance in Elmira. The company also produced horse drawn equipment, and delivered its first motorized fire engine in 1907.
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This 1961 aerial photo shows the American LaFrance Company in Elmira.
This 1961 aerial photo shows the American LaFrance Company in Elmira.
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Striking workers assemble in front of American LaFrance's office entrance in this 1972 photo.
Striking workers assemble in front of American LaFrance's office entrance in this 1972 photo.
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Another photo from 1972 of striking workers assembling in front of American LaFrance's office entrance.
Another photo from 1972 of striking workers assembling in front of American LaFrance's office entrance.
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This photo shows American LaFrance union members voting in 1974.
This photo shows American LaFrance union members voting in 1974.
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Stiking workers picket in front of American LaFrance's office building in this photo from the 1970s.
Stiking workers picket in front of American LaFrance's office building in this photo from the 1970s.
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In this undated photo, Henry Kaeser, center, president of the American LaFrance, shows international dignitaries through the Elmira production facility. Mr, Kaeser is accompanied by customer service director Ronald French and Thomas Wood, vice president of operations.
In this undated photo, Henry Kaeser, center, president of the American LaFrance, shows international dignitaries through the Elmira production facility. Mr, Kaeser is accompanied by customer service director Ronald French and Thomas Wood, vice president of operations.
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This 1975 photo shows part of American LaFrance's facility. Note the LaFrance smokestack, which was a familiar landmark for many Elmirians.
This 1975 photo shows part of American LaFrance's facility. Note the LaFrance smokestack, which was a familiar landmark for many Elmirians.
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In this 1976 photo, Saudi Arabian fire fighters visiting Elmira are trained on the use of fire fighting equipment manufactured by American LaFrance.
In this 1976 photo, Saudi Arabian fire fighters visiting Elmira are trained on the use of fire fighting equipment manufactured by American LaFrance.
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This 1979 photo shows the Challenger model pumper produced by American LaFrance in Elmira. Like most models, this design could be customized to meet the customer's needs. Cab-forward style engines were an early (c. 1920s) American LaFrance innovation that helped lead to industry-wide changes in fire engine design.
This 1979 photo shows the Challenger model pumper produced by American LaFrance in Elmira. Like most models, this design could be customized to meet the customer's needs. Cab-forward style engines were an early (c. 1920s) American LaFrance innovation that helped lead to industry-wide changes in fire engine design.
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American Lafrance celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1972. In this photo from the anniversary celebration, American LaFrance director Harry Figgie speaks at a podium constructed from the cab of a fire engine.
American Lafrance celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1972. In this photo from the anniversary celebration, American LaFrance director Harry Figgie speaks at a podium constructed from the cab of a fire engine.
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An overall view of the speaker's stand at American LaFrance's 150th anniversary celebration in 1982.
An overall view of the speaker's stand at American LaFrance's 150th anniversary celebration in 1982.
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American LaFrance employees spray water on a building as part of a dedication ceremony in 1982.
American LaFrance employees spray water on a building as part of a dedication ceremony in 1982.
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Gerald Peters, president of American LaFrance, stands in front of vehicles made by the company in this 1982 photo. Although best known for fire fighting equipment, the company also manufactures cabs for garbage trucks, left, and desert vehicles.
Gerald Peters, president of American LaFrance, stands in front of vehicles made by the company in this 1982 photo. Although best known for fire fighting equipment, the company also manufactures cabs for garbage trucks, left, and desert vehicles.
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American LaFrance plant manager Richard Borghi, left, and president Gerald Peters are shown in the main hallway of the company's new 500,00 square-foot headquarters and manufacturing facility in Elmira. Executive and general offices line both sides of the 570-foot-long hallway.
American LaFrance plant manager Richard Borghi, left, and president Gerald Peters are shown in the main hallway of the company's new 500,00 square-foot headquarters and manufacturing facility in Elmira. Executive and general offices line both sides of the 570-foot-long hallway.
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This aerial photo shows part of American LaFrance's 48-acre manufacturing complex in Elmira, including their new 500,000 square-foot headquarters and manufacturing facility. South Main Street runs at the extreme left of this image.
This aerial photo shows part of American LaFrance's 48-acre manufacturing complex in Elmira, including their new 500,000 square-foot headquarters and manufacturing facility. South Main Street runs at the extreme left of this image.
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American LaFrance workers fabricate the cab of a fire truck in the company's new manufacturing facility. This truck is being built for a fire department in Phoenix, Arizona.
American LaFrance workers fabricate the cab of a fire truck in the company's new manufacturing facility. This truck is being built for a fire department in Phoenix, Arizona.
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A state-of-the-art paint booth in American LaFrance's new manufacturing facility in Elmira is large enough to simultaneously hold three vehicles. In this photo, a worker sprays white paint on the cab of a garbage truck, while a fire engine on the right receives a coat of red paint.
A state-of-the-art paint booth in American LaFrance's new manufacturing facility in Elmira is large enough to simultaneously hold three vehicles. In this photo, a worker sprays white paint on the cab of a garbage truck, while a fire engine on the right receives a coat of red paint.
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In this photo of American LaFrance's manufacturing facility in Elmira, workers on the right prepare to connect an engine to a fire truck chassis.
In this photo of American LaFrance's manufacturing facility in Elmira, workers on the right prepare to connect an engine to a fire truck chassis.
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American LaFrance employee Steve Wida makes final adjustments to a ladder before it is transferred to the final vehicle assembly area.
American LaFrance employee Steve Wida makes final adjustments to a ladder before it is transferred to the final vehicle assembly area.
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A line of aerial ladder trucks and pumpers go through final assembly in American LaFrance's new manufacturing facility in Elmira. After final assembly, the vehicles move to another area for lettering and striping.
A line of aerial ladder trucks and pumpers go through final assembly in American LaFrance's new manufacturing facility in Elmira. After final assembly, the vehicles move to another area for lettering and striping.
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A vehile is washed before delivery at American LaFrance's manufacturing facility in Elmira.
A vehile is washed before delivery at American LaFrance's manufacturing facility in Elmira.
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A picketer carries a sign in front of American LaFrance in this 1984 photo.
A picketer carries a sign in front of American LaFrance in this 1984 photo.
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This 1984 photo shows part of American LaFrance's facility in Elmira during demolition.
This 1984 photo shows part of American LaFrance's facility in Elmira during demolition.
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Another 1984 photo showing hydraulic excavators demolishing part of American LaFrance's facility in Elmira.
Another 1984 photo showing hydraulic excavators demolishing part of American LaFrance's facility in Elmira.
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This 1984 photo shows hydraulic excavators demolishing part of American LaFrance's facility in Elmira.
This 1984 photo shows hydraulic excavators demolishing part of American LaFrance's facility in Elmira.
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This 1984 photo, the first in a series of four, shows the implosion of the smokestack at American LaFrance's Elmira facility.
This 1984 photo, the first in a series of four, shows the implosion of the smokestack at American LaFrance's Elmira facility.
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This 1984 photo, the second in a series of four, shows the implosion of the smokestack at American LaFrance's Elmira facility.
This 1984 photo, the second in a series of four, shows the implosion of the smokestack at American LaFrance's Elmira facility.
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This 1984 photo, the third in a series of four, shows the implosion of the smokestack at American LaFrance's Elmira facility.
This 1984 photo, the third in a series of four, shows the implosion of the smokestack at American LaFrance's Elmira facility.
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This 1984 photo, the last in a series of four, shows the implosion of the smokestack at American LaFrance's Elmira facility.
This 1984 photo, the last in a series of four, shows the implosion of the smokestack at American LaFrance's Elmira facility.
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A new fire truck exits the American LaFrance facility in Elmira in this 1985 photo.
A new fire truck exits the American LaFrance facility in Elmira in this 1985 photo.
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In this 1985 photo, early shift workers leave American LaFrance's Elmira facility on the day the plant's closing was announced. Most workers declined to comment on the announcement.
In this 1985 photo, early shift workers leave American LaFrance's Elmira facility on the day the plant's closing was announced. Most workers declined to comment on the announcement.
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This fire engine, destined for Monroeville, Pennsylvania, was the last to leave American LaFrance's Elmira manufacturing facility on June 25, 1985.
This fire engine, destined for Monroeville, Pennsylvania, was the last to leave American LaFrance's Elmira manufacturing facility on June 25, 1985.
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Elmira Fire Department's Engine 1, built at American LaFrance's manufacturing facility in Elmira. Although the Elmira facility closed in 1985, American LaFrance continued operations at other U.S. plants. The company was bought by Freightliner LLC, a subsidiary of Daimler AG, in 1995. Freightliner transferred ownership of American LaFrance to Patriarch Partners, LLC, a New York-based investment firm in December 2005. On Jan. 28, 2008, American LaFrance filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company emerged from bankruptcy in July, 2008, with a revised business plan. American LaFrance announced it was ceasing operations on Jan. 17, 2014.
Elmira Fire Department's Engine 1, built at American LaFrance's manufacturing facility in Elmira. Although the Elmira facility closed in 1985, American LaFrance continued operations at other U.S. plants. The company was bought by Freightliner LLC, a subsidiary of Daimler AG, in 1995. Freightliner transferred ownership of American LaFrance to Patriarch Partners, LLC, a New York-based investment firm in December 2005. On Jan. 28, 2008, American LaFrance filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company emerged from bankruptcy in July, 2008, with a revised business plan. American LaFrance announced it was ceasing operations on Jan. 17, 2014.
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