This detailed discussion involves Oran McNabb, president of ISG, and Zach Summers, design coordinator at FMI, to provide insights into compartment management and how the evolution of ISG and FMI’s relationship. At the beginning, ISG initially concentrated on access solutions, notably becoming known for their association with Whiting Door Manufacturing—the inventor of the world’s first practical roll-up door. Eventually, ISG diversified its business model to include emergency services, introducing products like roll-up doors and LED lighting. Notably, its acquisition of FMI was driven by the growing demands placed on firefighters, noting that they are increasingly tasked with doing more jobs than ever before. With escalating lead times for vehicle deliveries, often stretching to several years, the efficiency in outfitting these trucks prior to their delivery has become critical.
Compartment management transcends mere equipment mounting—it’s about maximizing every inch of space within the apparatus and effectively managing how tools are stored and accessed. Summers highlights that “dead space,” or unused room within compartments, is a critical issue that many fire departments overlook. Every square inch of these rigs should be effectively used to enhance the firefighter operational readiness.
One tool offered is FMI’s configurator. This tool facilitates real-time design adjustments, which allows fire departments to visualize and optimize their rig’s layout effectively. By collaborating with fire departments during the planning process, FMI can provide tailored designs that are refined in real-time—eliminating frustrating lead times that traditionally extend the outfitting process. The configurator also permits the user to manipulate truck models virtually, ensuring that the final product meets the exact needs of the department. “Rather than us taking our notes and seeing you in six weeks, we can provide you with a visual almost immediately,” explains Summers. This approach speeds up the design process and bolsters confidence in the final product before production begins.
For more information, visit https://fmico.com/.
