About Ward Apparatus
Custom Emergency Vehicles Built In Horseheads, New York
Ward Apparatus designs and builds custom fire and rescue vehicles for departments that need practical layouts, dependable construction, and apparatus built around real-world response.
Who We Are
Continuing a Legacy of Fire Apparatus Manufacturing
Located in Chemung County, New York, once known as the fire engine capital of the United States, Ward Apparatus carries forward a long regional history in fire rescue and specialty vehicle manufacturing.
Formerly Maintainer Custom Bodies, Ward Apparatus acquired the company in January of 2021 and returned fire truck manufacturing to the area after a 35-year absence. Today, Ward Apparatus continues that tradition with custom emergency vehicles built around each department’s needs.
2021
Ward Acquired MCB
35 Years
Manufacturing Returned
Custom
Built Apparatus
Horseheads, NY
Built by a Team Focused on Safety, Reliability, and Service
Ward Apparatus combines industry experience, manufacturing capability, and a customer-first approach to build emergency vehicles that serve departments across the country.
Every build begins with the department’s mission. Our team works with customers to review body layout, compartment access, chassis requirements, storage needs, and long-term serviceability before the apparatus is built.
Our History
From MCB to Ward Apparatus
The story of Ward Apparatus continues a long history of rescue and specialty vehicle manufacturing.
1976
MCB Origins
Maintainer Custom Bodies traces its roots back to Iowa in 1976, with a history connected to ambulance, rescue, and specialty vehicle manufacturing.
2015
Maintainer Group Merger
MCB merged with Maintainer Group of Iowa, Inc. to continue product line expansion and manufacturing excellence.
2021
Ward Apparatus Acquisition
Ward Apparatus acquired MCB and brought fire apparatus manufacturing back to the Horseheads, New York area.
Ready to Build?
Let’s Build the Apparatus Your Department Needs
From rescue and quick attack units to custom specialty vehicles, Ward Apparatus can help design and build an emergency vehicle around your department’s mission.