LEHR Opens Major Emergency Vehicle Facility in Edison

A major new emergency vehicle manufacturing facility has opened its doors in Edison, bringing specialized jobs and advanced technology to Central New Jersey.

LEHR, a prominent emergency vehicle upfitter, officially opened its 30,000-square-foot facility this month, marking a significant expansion of the company’s operations in the Garden State. The new Edison location will focus on customizing and outfitting ambulances, fire trucks, and other emergency response vehicles for municipalities and private companies across the region.

The facility represents a substantial investment in New Jersey’s manufacturing sector, particularly in the specialized field of emergency vehicle preparation. LEHR’s decision to establish operations in Edison underscores the township’s growing appeal as a business destination, benefiting from its strategic location and access to major transportation networks.

“This new facility positions us to better serve our customers throughout New Jersey and the broader Northeast corridor,” a LEHR spokesperson said. “Edison’s central location and skilled workforce made it the ideal choice for our expansion.”

The emergency vehicle upfitting industry involves taking base chassis from manufacturers and customizing them with specialized equipment, storage compartments, and technology systems required for emergency response operations. This can include everything from medical equipment installations in ambulances to communication systems in police vehicles.

LEHR’s Edison facility is expected to create dozens of specialized manufacturing jobs, from welders and electricians to project managers and quality control specialists. The company plans to hire locally when possible, tapping into New Jersey’s technical workforce.

The opening comes as municipalities across New Jersey face ongoing needs to modernize their emergency vehicle fleets. Many towns and cities are looking to replace aging ambulances and fire trucks with more efficient, technologically advanced models that can better serve their communities.

Edison Township officials welcomed the new business, noting that LEHR’s presence adds to the community’s diverse industrial base. The facility joins other manufacturing and technology companies that have chosen Edison for its accessibility to major highways, proximity to ports, and educated workforce.

The timing of LEHR’s expansion aligns with broader economic development efforts across New Jersey. While the state continues to provide various business incentives to attract and retain companies, LEHR’s investment demonstrates confidence in the local economy and workforce capabilities.

The emergency vehicle industry has evolved significantly in recent years, with increasing emphasis on fuel efficiency, advanced medical equipment, and integrated communication systems. LEHR’s new facility is designed to accommodate these technological advances, featuring modern equipment and flexible workspace configurations.

For Central New Jersey, the facility represents another step in the region’s economic diversification. Edison, in particular, has worked to attract businesses across various sectors, from technology and pharmaceuticals to manufacturing and logistics.

The 30,000-square-foot space provides LEHR with room for future growth and the ability to handle multiple vehicle projects simultaneously. This capacity is crucial for meeting the often urgent timelines associated with emergency vehicle orders, as municipalities and emergency services organizations typically need their vehicles operational as quickly as possible.

LEHR’s expansion also reflects the company’s confidence in the long-term demand for emergency vehicles. As New Jersey’s population continues to grow and age, the need for well-equipped ambulances and other emergency response vehicles is expected to remain strong.

The facility’s location in Edison provides strategic advantages for serving customers throughout the tri-state area. The township’s position along major transportation corridors allows for efficient delivery of completed vehicles to customers across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Local workforce development organizations are already working with LEHR to identify qualified candidates for various positions at the new facility. The specialized nature of emergency vehicle upfitting requires workers with specific technical skills, making training and development programs particularly important.

The Edison facility opening represents more than just business expansion; it demonstrates the continuing vitality of New Jersey’s manufacturing sector. Despite challenges facing traditional manufacturing, specialized industries like emergency vehicle upfitting continue to thrive, particularly when they serve essential public safety functions.

As LEHR begins full operations at its Edison location, the company expects to gradually increase production capacity and workforce levels. The facility’s success could potentially lead to further expansion, bringing additional jobs and investment to Central New Jersey.

The emergency vehicle industry’s stability makes it an attractive addition to any local economy. Unlike some manufacturing sectors that face international competition or cyclical demand, emergency vehicles represent a consistent need for communities nationwide, providing a solid foundation for sustained business growth.