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Layout Examples Make Ready Assemblies Loose Equipment

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CUSTOM UPFIT. SERVICE READY.

Welcome to the Metro Fire Make Ready Catalog, a digital resource built to showcase the thoughtful design, custom fabrication, and field-ready preparation that go into every apparatus we deliver. Developed in collaboration with our Make Ready Department, this interactive catalog gives you a closer look at past layout examples, custom-installed appliances, and the loose equipment we supply to departments across Texas.

Explore the catalog by section, layouts, appliances, and equipment, and save your favorites as you go. Each entry includes real-world photos, Make Ready codes, and the option to view more from completed builds. Your assigned Territory Manager is your go-to expert for both apparatus and gear, helping you streamline your order from concept to completion.

let's get to work.

This digital resource highlights our Make Ready Department’s dedication to building efficient, customized fire apparatus tailored to your department’s needs. In this video, you’ll learn how to navigate the catalog’s three main sections:

Layout Examples – Browse compartment designs by area (interior, cab, sides, rear, etc.), complete with Make Ready Codes and full photo galleries. 

Make Ready Appliances – Discover a variety of custom-fabricated pieces, organized by job code, and see them in multiple applications. 

Loose Equipment – View a wide range of equipment offerings and easily save your favorites for pricing or future reference. 

Explore the catalog. Save your favorites. Let’s build something great together.

MAKE READY PROCESS

START FROM SCRATCH
WALK AROUND DAY
FABRICATION BEGINS
ASSEMBLY & INSTALL
MISSION COMPLETE

Metro Fire employs dedicated personnel at the Spartan factory in Sioux Falls, SD, and the aerial plant in Snyder, NE, to oversee quality control and ensure each unit meets customer specifications. They conduct inspections, monitor performance, and assist with final customer walkarounds, addressing any deficiencies before the unit ships.

This proactive approach allows our Make Ready Department to focus on installing radios, headsets, and other department-specific equipment. By completing Make Ready locally, customers can directly collaborate with our team to customize equipment placement and create tailored compartments and mounts through our Fabrication Department.

We schedule a dedicated day for customers to visit our facility and go over equipment placement and layout. Some bring trailers full of their own gear, including items like radios, Knox Boxes, and Lifepaks. Others combine their own equipment with items purchased from us, while some outfit their truck entirely with new gear from Metro Fire.

Each piece of equipment is laid out and inspected before installation. This is also a great time to review any additional features or equipment you'd like to include. During the visit, customers will also meet with our Graphic Designer to begin the process of designing and placing graphics for their new unit.

After the walk-around, the build process moves into full swing. Our Fabricators begin drafting detailed plans, confirming measurements, and creating custom mounts, brackets, and enclosures specific to your equipment layout. Each component is precision-cut, bent, and welded to fit your truck and operational needs.

Meanwhile, our Make Ready Technicians begin staging the unit for final assembly. Our procurement team orders any additional equipment selected during your visit, and the warehouse staff pulls all necessary parts to keep the build moving efficiently. Every step is carefully coordinated to ensure your unit is built to exact specifications and ready for the next phase of production.

We have over 20 skilled technicians whose focus and passion is turning plans into a fully operational unit. This is a hands-on, detail-driven process that requires precision, creativity, and problem-solving—something our team takes great pride in. It’s more than just a job; it’s a reflection of our brand, our reputation, and the trust our customers place in us.

Tasks during this phase vary widely and are tailored to each department’s needs. They may include radio and intercom installation, mounting light towers, upgrading warning lights, installing custom toolboxes or medical cabinets, organizing adapters, fabricating shelves, installing tool boards, and securely mounting rescue tools. Every detail matters, and our technicians are committed to delivering a ready-to-serve unit built for the real world.

The final step in the Make Ready process is customer acceptance, confirming that every detail matches what was discussed and agreed upon. Our goal is simple: for your new unit to back into the station and be ready to respond immediately. It’s a proud moment for both our team and yours, marking the successful handoff of a fully equipped, mission-ready apparatus.

But delivery is not the end of our commitment. Our service team steps in to provide ongoing support, ensuring your truck continues to perform as expected. The Make Ready process is backed by a 2-year warranty covering workmanship and material failures. Spartan also provides a 2-year warranty on their trucks (excluding commercial chassis). For at least two years, and often longer, we remain a partner in your fleet’s readiness, standing by our work and supporting your department every step of the way.

MAKE READY MANAGERS

CHRIS ROBERTS
SOUTH HOUSTON LOCATION

Chris Roberts manages Make Ready operations at our original South Houston location. With a strong background in apparatus preparation and team coordination, Chris ensures each unit is completed to the highest standards. He works closely with departments to deliver customized, service ready trucks that meet the specific needs of each customer.

KENDALL KRAMER
MANSFIELD LOCATION

Kendall Kramer oversees Make Ready at our Mansfield facility, leading a growing team focused on quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. He collaborates directly with Fire Departments across Texas and our Fabrication team to ensure every unit is fully equipped and tailored to exceed operational demands.

EXPLORE

Layout Examples LOOSE EQUIPMENT