Daleville, Bristol companies partner on new ambulance
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
A joint effort between a pair of Indiana companies unveiled a new ambulance earlier this month at the EMS World Expo in Las Vegas.
The Type II ambulance by Daleville-based AutoFarm Ambulance and Bristol-based Bontrager Industries emphasizes safety, reliability and quality, the companies said.
“We are really David vs. Goliath when it comes to ambulance manufacturing and sales, since there are several massive consolidators of ambulance manufacturers,” AutoFarm President Jim Kissling said in a news release. “But we are confident that we have come to this unveiling with a superior product at an amazing value. While this has not been an easy process, it’s comforting to know that David won the battle.”
A Type II ambulance is built on a van-type chassis and typically has a raised roof that provides more headroom, versus a truck-type chassis and driver cab common to a Type 1 ambulance.
The ambulance collaboration stems from a long-standing connection between Kissling and Jason Bontrager, CEO of Bontrager Industries. The two were fraternity brothers at Butler University.
AutoFarm had turned to Bontrager, a manufacturer of truck and trailer campers, after experiencing production shortages with previous suppliers.
“Bontrager Industries strives to take the high ground when designing and building any of our products,” Bontrager said. “Our expansion into the rescue vehicle industry allows us to showcase the highest levels of design and manufacturing standards of which we are capable.”
Bontrager Industries’ specialty vehicle brands include High Ground Conversions, High Ground Outfitters, Skinny Guy Campers and what is now called Bontrager Outdoors. The manufacturer of travel trailers was called Braxton Creek RV until a recent rebranding, Inside INdiana Business reported in August.
Founders Jason and Austin Bontrager, who are cousins, are former owners of Middlebury-based RV manufacturer Jayco, which was acquired by Elkhart-based Thor Industries in 2016.
AutoFarm is a division of AutoFarm Mobility LLC. The company also sells wheelchair-accessible vehicles, durable medical equipment such as scooters and lift chairs, and pre-owned ambulances.