American LaFrance (ALF) is a historic American manufacturer of fire trucks and other firefighting equipment. The company was founded in 1832 by Truckson LaFrance and his partners in Elmira, New York. Over the years, American LaFrance became known for producing high-quality fire apparatus that were widely used by fire departments across the United States and around the world.
American LaFrance was particularly known for its distinctive and innovative designs, often incorporating advanced features and technology for their time. Their fire trucks were easily recognizable by their unique appearance and functional design elements.
The company faced various challenges and changes throughout its long history, including financial difficulties and ownership changes. In the early 2000s, American LaFrance experienced financial issues that led to bankruptcy and restructuring. The company went through several ownership changes and attempts to revive its operations, but ultimately struggled to regain its previous prominence.
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, American LaFrance's manufacturing and business operations had significantly diminished, and the company was no longer a major player in the fire apparatus industry. However, please note that there might have been further developments since that time, and I recommend checking more recent sources for the latest information about American LaFrance.