How Frazer’s cutting-edge emergency vehicles empower healthcare providers to save lives 

Boasting innovative features like independent HVAC, simple electrical systems, and multiple power options, Frazer’s prehospital patient care vehicles are designed with safety, comfort, and reliability in mind. Committed to empowering its clients from the beginning, the company was established in 1956, originally fabricating steel equipment for seismic exploration. Laura Griffin, CEO, fills us in on Frazer’s story from that point on. 

“In the early 1980s, we shifted our focus to upfitting original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicle chassis to be used as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) vehicles suitable for use as ambulances, mobile stroke units, and mobile clinics. Over the years, we have introduced innovations such as generator-powered EMS modules and the US’ first mobile stroke unit. Today, we are still actively expanding our services, as exemplified by the opening of a new service center in Florida in 2022. A privately owned business, we continue to lead the mobile healthcare industry through relentless innovation, quality-driven manufacturing, and customer-focused solutions that compete with those of much larger competitors,” she begins. 

Darren Ward, President at Frazer, shares more information about the company’s core products and services offering. “Frazer specializes in engineering and upfitting custom emergency vehicles designed to support the unique operational needs of EMS providers, fire departments, and mobile healthcare teams. Its product lineup includes type 1 and 3 EMS vehicles, first responder vehicles, mobile stroke units, and specialty mobile healthcare vehicles. Built with durable all-aluminum construction, Frazer’s type 1 EMS vehicles provide a safe and spacious environment for medical personnel, along with ample storage and customizable interiors to elevate patient care. The type 3 EMS vehicles, featuring a cutaway-style chassis with lower frame rails, facilitate easier patient loading and ensure a smooth ride with a short turning radius.  

“Additionally, Frazer offers the versatile Urban Command Vehicle (UCV), which serves as a first responder, rescue truck, or support vehicle. With configurable storage and optional generator power, it can be complemented with light towers and other essential equipment. In the realm of mobile healthcare, the company has pioneered the development of innovative EMS units equipped with CT scanners and telemedicine equipment, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients on-site. Lastly, its specialty mobile healthcare vehicles are larger non-emergency vehicles designed to redefine traditional house calls by bringing medical services directly to patients, thus enhancing accessibility and care delivery,” he elaborates.  

Company ethos 

The success of Frazer thus far can not only be attributed to its trusted products and services but also to its organizational culture, according to Darren. He goes on to elaborate on how the company fosters a positive culture that effectively supports employees. “Many companies showcase typical core values like integrity and determination on their walls, yet they often remain mere words on a plaque. Meanwhile, at Frazer, we spent months collaborating with a focus group to develop core values that authentically mirror our company ethos, to the extent of having them printed out on t-shirts. These core values have even become part of the day-to-day vocabulary of our employee base, as they regularly use phrases like ‘our world is not flat,’ ‘destroying doubt through determination,’ and ‘family by choice.’ Living those core principles every day empowers our team to feel connected to the organization and fosters a sense that they are contributing something more than just getting a paycheck. Given that we build vehicles that are lifesaving and can directly impact people’s lives by supporting first responders, each member of our team comes to work driven by a shared mission and vision. This solidarity stems from our commitment to these core values, reinforcing the bond and trust that we have cultivated within our company,” he enlightens. 

Advanced manufacturing  

To support its growing headcount and customer demand, Frazer will soon be opening a new facility. Laura sheds light on the added capacity and capabilities this site will bring to the company’s operations. “Our new production facility at 1410 Gillingham Lane in Sugar Land, Texas, represents a significant milestone for Frazer. This 170,000-square-foot space is designed to more than double our existing production capacity over the next three-to-five years, enabling us to better serve our customers in the fire, EMS, and mobile healthcare industries. To enhance our metal fabrication capabilities, we have invested in state-of-the-art equipment from Amada, including a fully automated punch and laser combination machine and an electric press brake. These machines allow for precise and efficient metal fabrication, thereby improving both the quality and speed of our production processes. In our assembly department, we are adding an automatic wire cut and strip machine to streamline electrical assembly and ensure consistent and reliable wiring harnesses for our vehicles.  

“Furthermore, our paint department is also undergoing significant advancements with the implementation of a robotic sanding and paint preparation station to achieve uniform surface finishes. Alongside that, we are introducing multi-stage automated paint booths equipped with an automated paint delivery system, a robotic painting arm, and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to transport modules through the painting process. These innovations will enhance paint quality and reduce production time. Additionally, our new facility features a well-lit and air-conditioned customer delivery showroom, which provides a comfortable environment for clients to inspect their vehicles upon completion. Such investments reflect our commitment to leveraging advanced technology to improve efficiency, quality, and ultimately, customer satisfaction,” she expands. 

Smart Factory technologies and approaches are already being implemented in the new Sugar Land facility. Laura explains how Frazer is planning to leverage data to enhance efficiency, quality, and scalability. “By focusing on automation, advanced manufacturing processes, and data-driven decision-making, we strive to optimize our operations and meet growing customer demand. For instance, we have invested in automated fabrication technologies, such as precision laser cutting and punching machines capable of operating round-the-clock, which allows for unmanned production shifts. Moreover, robotic sanding and paint prep stations ensure uniform surface finishing with minimal manual intervention, while automated material handling systems streamline workflow efficiency and
maintain consistency.  

“In our parts division, we will be leveraging an automated material storage and retrieval system, known as a Vertical Lift Module (VLM), to improve workflow, increase pick accuracy, and save valuable production floor space. When it comes to data utilization, we plan to implement real-time production monitoring and analytics to take advantage of connected equipment for tracking key performance metrics, identifying inefficiencies, and supporting predictive maintenance strategies. This data-driven approach will directly optimize production and scheduling, reduce downtime and material waste, and elevate product quality by collecting and analyzing data from our automated processes. Through these initiatives, we aim to position ourselves at the forefront of Smart Manufacturing practices, ensuring the continued delivery of top-notch emergency vehicles while boosting productivity,” she states. 

Looking to the future, Darren unveils his vision for the growth of Frazer over the next five years. “By then, our goal is to roughly double our production output for domestic sales within the US. As part of that, we plan to capture market shares from competitors in geographies beyond Texas, where we currently have a strong foothold. We also intend to expand internationally by exporting products and exploring opportunities for partnerships with foreign businesses,” he ends. 

Leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies, data-driven processes, and a dedicated workforce, Frazer continues to redefine the standards of safety and reliability to empower its clients to deliver exceptional emergency and mobile healthcare services.  

www.frazerbilt.com