Optimising fire protection Iveco Magirus

Iveco Magirus is a global leader in the design and manufacture of firefighting and civil protection vehicles. Philip Yorke talked to Tobias Welp, the company’s sales director, about its latest high-tech products and plans for further expansion.

OPTIMISING FIRE PROTECTION

IN1864 Conrad Dietrich Magirus was the fire chief in the town of Ulm, Germany, located on the shores of the River Danube. He wanted to improve the efficiency of firemen who needed to carry ladders to fires on their shoulders. This resulted in the famous ‘Ulm ladder’, which could be pushed and accelerated. However, the firefighting revolution really began with the Magirus turntable ladder and later the world’s first articulated ladder was introduced. Today Ulm remains the headquarters of the company that has grown to become a global leader under the name of Iveco Magirus.

From the very beginning the company’s focus was on innovation and it was responsible for a number of firefighting ‘firsts’. This started with the world’s first horse-drawn 25m rotating ladder and was followed by the world’s first fully automatic-drive turn table in1916. Magirus motor vehicles began production in 1917. Today Iveco Magirus produces a unique range of firefighting and civil protection vehicles from its six locations throughout Europe.

With sales exceeding 1500 vehicles per year, Iveco Magirus is one of the biggest suppliers of firefighting equipment in the world. When it comes to turntable ladders, the company is the undisputed global leader.

Perfect combination

The equipment and firefighting machines that Iveco Magirus produce today are all developed to meet the increasing demands and challenges of a fast-changing marketplace. The demands that airports, industry and municipalities are facing today are both diverse and complex. Iveco Magirus’ research and its innovative solutions are designed to provide the optimal response to such modern firefighting needs.

A good example of this innovation is the company’s latest 32-metre class, fully automatic turntable ladder with combined movements. This state-of-the-art machine offers modern load-sensing hydraulic units with intelligent control and monitoring systems. This makes it possible to perform a wide range of different hydraulically driven movements simultaneously. Available in configurations that include operating heights of 27m, 32m, 39m, 55m and 60m, as well as articulated arm technology, this equipment out-classes any comparable unit.

Mr Welp said, “Our flexible approach to design and standardisation makes it possible to produce combination products to meet almost every eventuality. This means that our vehicles can cover more missions offering various aerial rescue options and diverse pumping scenarios and crew capacities ranging from one to eight people. There is a big interest in the market for our sophisticated combination vehicles, especially in the UK, Spain and eastern Europe, as well as in emerging markets such as Brazil. These specially designed combination vehicles are ideal for smaller fire brigades as well as for the big operators. Our top-selling vehicles are our turntable ladders, a market where we are the clear global leaders.

“Our tanker pump technology is also unique, with electronic cooperation between the pump and the control flow operation.

In addition, our one-sided super-driver aircraft tender reached new levels of operational optimisation. These were launched with revolutionary superstructure systems, innovative cab solutions and cutting-edge pump technology. Furthermore, these are complemented by our impressive, all-wheel vehicle configuration concepts. Unlike our competitors, customers can get everything in one hand and when we demonstrate the

effectiveness of these vehicles, it results in sales. Recently we sold 20 of these vehicles to one of the world’s biggest and busiest airports, Hong Kong. This is why airports the world over prefer to rely on Iveco Magirus equipment. We are committed to staying one step ahead in the field of modern firefighting technology.”

A ‘local’ global network

Operating as a global partner for fire services worldwide, Iveco Magirus is present in almost every country on earth, whether it is Africa, Siberia or Australia. The company’s local branches ensure that firefighting services always have a competent partner close at hand to resolve everyday challenges and engage in permanent dialogue to implement optimal solutions.

Mr Welp added, “Customer service is a priority for us and although we are an international company we have always operated at a local level. This is important for many reasons, especially when you consider that alongside our high-tech components and hydraulics, our turntables are all hand adjusted. They are also hand crafted to perfection, with full attention paid to the last detail. Like all companies in Germany, we are environmentally driven and in addition, we listen carefully to our customers, in order to learn what the latest priorities are on the ground.”

New generation of pumps

Magirus pumps are renowned for their reliability, robustness and durability, all attributes that are of great importance to every firefighting force. With these criteria in mind, Magirus has developed a new generation of pumps based on a unique modular concept that reaches new standards of efficiency and compact operation. This latest two-stage range of pumps meets all requirements, both as high-pressure pumps of 250—500 litres per minute, at 40 bar and as normal pumps of 750—6500 litres per minute at 10 bar. In addition, the company’s well-proven ‘Primatic’ priming technology has been retained for this model, as well as its seawater-resistant light metal alloy and optional bronze alloy for the special pump housing. n