Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Uwchlan company acquires Florida firm
Will move Vista Brake Lock manufacturing to Chesco
UWCHLAN >> USSC Group, which manufactures seating and fire suppression products for the transit, military and first responder markets, has acquired Vista Brake Lock LLC. The Sanford, Fla.-based Vista Brake Lock manufactures and sells safety and security systems for all emergency vehicles.
“This acquisition comes as part of USSC’s ongoing commitment to protect the men and women who serve our communities as emergency service professionals,” Joseph Mirabile, president and CEO, USSC Group, said in a press release. “Vista is a welcomed addition to our portfolio of brands and extend and strengthen our capabilities to offer our customers innovative safety solutions for commercial and military transportation markets.”
Vista Brake Lock — for apparatus equipped with air brakes, and Vista Park Lock — for apparatus with automatic transmission shifters, are designed to prevent theft of emergency vehicles while on call. They were invented by Randy Smathers, a 34-year career firefighter, and retired division chief.
“Vista is America’s leading passive safety and security system to public safety providers. Some of the biggest departments are now specifying both safety and security devices on all new apparatus orders,” Smathers said in the release. “USSC’s leadership will en-
sure Vista is the product of choice across many new markets while strengthening the Fire and EMS markets.”
The Vista Brake patented technology prevents unauthorized use of equipment and accidental roll aways, according to Ray Melleady, EVP, USSC Group — an issue he said is “far too common” in public transportation operations.
USSC Group will bring the manufacturing of Vista toits headquarters in Uwchlan, where the manufacturing will be integrated into its product line.
“With the high incidence of on-scene emergency vehicle theft, Vista Brake is critical technology providing safety to our first responders and security of their equipment when onscene,” said Steve Toren EVP, USSC Group.
“USSC’s focus is new technologies that improve safety and asset protection for our customers,” Melleady added.
USSC Group is a global leader in the commercial and military seating industry, designing and engineering safety, survivability and technology products for commercial and military transportation vehicles.
The company’s portfolio of products includes seating for commercial buses, fire trucks, ambulances, military vehicles, motor coaches, rail cars and locomotives.
USSC Group designs and builds specialty soldier survivability systems for military vehicles and its fire suppression systems are used in school buses, public transit and para-transit buses as well as heavy machinery and mining equipment.
The company’s four brands include: United States Seating, Valor First Responders Seating, Fogmaker North America and Global Seating. For more information visit www.usscgroup.com.
“With the high incidence of on-scene emergency vehicle theft, Vista Brake is critical technology providing safety to our first responders and security of their equipment when on-scene.” — Steve Toren EVP, USSC Group
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