Wheeled Coach Industries, Inc. is an American ambulance manufacturer that was founded in 1973. It has become one of the most reputable and recognizable names in the ambulance manufacturing industry. The company has a long and fascinating history, which has played a significant role in the development of the ambulance industry in the United States. In this article, we will explore the history of Wheeled Coach and the key events that have shaped the company over the years.

Wheeled Coach was founded in Orlando, Florida by a man named Larry K. Miller. Miller was a former funeral home director who saw a need for better quality ambulance manufacturing in the United States. At the time, most ambulances were being made by small, regional manufacturers that were unable to keep up with the growing demand for emergency vehicles. Miller saw an opportunity to create a company that would specialize in producing high-quality, custom-built ambulances that would meet the needs of emergency medical services (EMS) providers across the country.

In its early years, Wheeled Coach focused on producing modular ambulance bodies that could be mounted onto a variety of different chassis. This allowed customers to select the type of ambulance that would best suit their needs, whether that be a van-style ambulance or a larger truck-style ambulance. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable ambulances, and it wasn’t long before it began to attract the attention of EMS providers across the country.

In 1984, Wheeled Coach was acquired by Collins Industries, a leading manufacturer of specialty vehicles. Under Collins’ ownership, Wheeled Coach continued to grow and expand its operations. The company began to focus on producing fully-integrated ambulances, which featured custom-built chassis and ambulance bodies that were designed to work together seamlessly. This allowed the company to produce ambulances that were even more reliable and efficient than before.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Wheeled Coach continued to innovate and improve its ambulance designs. The company was among the first in the industry to adopt new technologies, such as LED lighting and advanced electronic control systems. It also began to incorporate environmentally-friendly materials into its ambulance designs, such as lightweight composite materials that reduced the weight of the vehicles and improved fuel efficiency.

In 2010, Wheeled Coach was acquired by REV Group, a leading manufacturer of specialty vehicles. Under REV’s ownership, Wheeled Coach has continued to grow and expand its operations. The company has continued to innovate and improve its ambulance designs, incorporating new technologies and materials to produce ambulances that are safer, more efficient, and more reliable than ever before.

Today, Wheeled Coach is one of the largest and most respected ambulance manufacturers in the world. The company produces a wide range of ambulance models, including Type I, Type II, and Type III ambulances, as well as specialty vehicles for disaster response, critical care transport, and other specialized needs. Wheeled Coach’s ambulances can be found in use by EMS providers across the United States and around the world.

Wheeled Coach Industries, Inc. has a rich and fascinating history that has played a significant role in the development of the ambulance industry in the United States. From its humble beginnings as a small ambulance manufacturer in Florida, the company has grown to become one of the largest and most respected ambulance manufacturers in the world. Through its innovative designs, advanced technologies, and commitment to quality, Wheeled Coach has helped to improve the quality of care provided by EMS providers around the globe.