Manufacturing to begin at firefighting vehicle factory

Firefighting vehicle manufacturer, North Fire Engineering, has unveiled its 12,000 sq ft new manufacturing facility in Mytholmroyd, which was commissioned over the Christmas period.

It following confirmation at the end of 2023 of industry stalwart Oliver North’s acquisition of Venari Group’s firefighting division and subsequent rebrand to North Fire.

The manufacturer says it will begin firefighting vehicle production immediately.

North Fire’s founder and managing director, Oliver North, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to shine a spotlight on our hard work over the past few months in completing the acquisition, rebranding and setting up our new long-term home, that we will occupy for at least the next 12 years.

“The team that came with me alongside the acquisition have been supporting me as part of our journey in the industry for the past 17 years.

Oliver North

“And every piece of learning from our many accomplishments in that time will be harnessed at this stunning new factory – unrivalled engineering, produced at speed.”

North Fire operated in the UK fire market between 2008 and 2014 before being acquired by the world’s largest firefighting truck manufacturer.

Oliver North added: “When I acquired and separated the firefighting division of Venari from the Group, we effectively needed a new brand – some of the team proposed bringing a variation of North Fire back which we all thought felt perfect.

“The name, which represents all of us, has serious, professional and genuine equity as a true innovator and a passionate servant of an industry that we love.

“From day one and over every vehicle produced, we will prove our unrivalled passion, ability and work ethic as we strive to become the UK’s most trusted and skilled vehicle manufacturer.”

North Fire’s factory foreman, Rory Wilde, has worked alongside Oliver North since 2008.

Wilde added: “Activation of North Fire Engineering allows us to stay focused solely on our speciality – firefighting and rescue technology – without distractions from other fields.

“We have been able to hand pick the best and most passionate skilled workers in the industry, and our new state-of-the-art factory enables us to do it to the highest possible standards.”