Medix Specialty Vehicles Expands Paint Plant to Improve Ambulance Lead Times

June 6, 2024 – ELKHART, INDIANA: Medix Specialty Vehicles, a leading manufacturer of Type I, II, & III ambulances, is expanding its paint plant with the addition of a new 7,000-square-foot building. The new facility will attach to the existing 10,000-square-foot paint plant and will double the paint capacity, enhance production efficiency, and address current manufacturing constraints.

The expansion project, a key component of Medix Specialty Vehicles’ ongoing commitment to excellence and investment in ambulance manufacturing, will also create new job opportunities within the Elkhart, Indiana, community. By adding skilled positions in painting, buffing, and support roles, the company aims to strengthen its workforce and continue delivering top-tier emergency vehicles.

"The expansion of our paint plant is pivotal for both our customers and the local economy,” said Medix Specialty Vehicles President Greg Rusk. “By doubling our capacity, we can significantly reduce lead times and meet the increasing demand for our ambulances more efficiently. This growth not only ensures our customers receive their vehicles faster but also boosts the local economy by creating new job opportunities and investing in state-of-the-art technology. We're excited about the positive impact this expansion will have on our community and our ability to serve those who save lives every day."

As demand for ambulances has increased over the past several years, Medix has worked to identify areas of constraint in their process to assist them in returning to pre-pandemic and chassis crisis lead times. Rusk noted that by expanding the paint plant, Medix will have the ability to move trucks through quicker, be more responsive, and continue to maintain quality in-house without having to outsource processes. The addition will allow them to fulfill a large backlog while also focusing on continued growth in demand for Medix ambulances.

“While paint is not our only constraint, it is one area we have the ability to address head-on,” added Rusk. “We are committed to delivering our ambulances to customers faster and supporting the vital work of emergency medical services.”

Construction on the new facility began in May and will result in a 17,000 total square foot paint production building. The addition is expected to be completed and fully operational by the end of June.