Article: Swift response to call for help; Pierce Manufacturing consulted experts - firefighters - to help design its new firetruck.(BUSINESS INSIDER)

Byline: Susan E. Peterson; Staff Writer

When Pierce Manufacturing Inc. began planning its next-generation firetruck a few years ago, it faced a challenge: Beginning in 2007, federal emissions regulations require engine changes that would cut into the already-tight cab space in the custom-built trucks the company supplies to U.S. fire departments.

So the Appleton, Wis., company decided to design its new model from scratch. As part of that process, the company involved its most important customers - the firefighters who depend on the trucks to help them do their jobs, Pierce spokeswoman Ann Stawski said.

In e-mail surveys and focus groups, Pierce ...

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