Weis Aquires UPF’s Foam Trailer Series 12 Apr 2023, 6:17 pm

Weis Acquires UPF Foam Trailer Series

Weis is proud to announce the acquisition of UPF United Plastic Fabricating, Inc.’s Protector Foam Trailer products. This allows Weis Fire to expand their portfolio of water moving solutions to fire departments worldwide. This new line, now named Weis Foam Commander, compliments Weis’ existing portfolio of wildland, brush and quick attack fire trucks. Weis also manufactures the Draft Commander 3000® which helps EVTs perform NFPA recommended pump tests. To learn more visit https://weisfiresafety.com/new-foam-commander-line/

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Water Rescue Boat with Poly Hull 17 Nov 2021, 1:06 pm

FDIC 2021 UPF Introduced the Water Rescue Boat with Poly Hull

We have designed this boat to obtain optimal performance allowing you to get to a water rescue quickly and safely. In addition, our boat can handle the impact of hazards in the water you may encounter.

Our hulls are more durable than fiberglass or aluminum and will never dent, rust, or corrode!  They will remain free from pinholes, will never blister, and bottom paint is not required.

Our 18’ Shallow Water Boat Features:

• Black Textured Poly Hull
• Mud Buddy 40 HP Shallow Water Drive Tiller Motor
• 52” Flat Bottom for Superior Shallow Water Performance and Stability
• Configurable Interior Layout
• Patient/Seating Storage Bench

Learn more about the UPF Difference.

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UPF Founder/CEO Retires 9 Nov 2021, 10:39 pm

Joe Lingel Retires from UPF

United Plastic Fabricating, Inc. (UPF) announces that as of September 1, 2021, Joe Lingel, CEO of United Plastic Fabricating, Inc. (UPF), officially retired.

Joe’s connection to the fire service goes back to 1969 when he was just sixteen years old and decided to be an Auxiliary Fire Fighter for Lynnfield, Massachusetts.  Through the years, Joe would proudly answer the call for the town he loved so dearly.  Joe would hold many titles in the department over the years.  In 1971, Joe’s appointment changed from Auxiliary to Substitute, and in 1972 Joe’s position changed from Substitute to Private.  Joe became a Lieutenant in 1981, and in 1984, he became a Captain.  June of 2012, Joe was promoted to Fire Chief and was additionally appointed as the town’s Emergency Management Director a month later.  In December of 2013, Joe retired from the town of Lynnfield after forty-four years of service.

While on the department, Joe worked full-time at General Electric (GE), where he was an engineer and worked on many projects for the military.  In 1982, Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) and fellow Firefighter Alan Burnham needed to repair an E-One pumper truck with a rusted, corroded booster tank.  Al approached Joe to brainstorm the idea of a plastic tank application.  Their brainstorming session resulted in the liquidation of assets, a start of an entrepreneurial journey, and the first Poly-Tank® for the fire service.

Joe initiated a corporate environment that combined high-quality expectations and proactive customer service along with cutting-edge technology and innovative thinking.  He successfully created a work environment that involved employees in new processes, products, and corporate objectives.  He set the stage for UPF’s next generation.

The Next Generation at United Plastic Fabricating, Inc.

“My father’s success with United Plastic Fabricating, Inc. (UPF) is indeed the American Dream. As a kid, I witnessed his hard work, long hours, and success become a reality. As a result, UPF became, and still is, the number one fire truck tank manufacturer in the country. He solved the problem Fire Departments had with the corroded steel tanks by innovating the POLY-TANK®. Under my leadership, UPF will continue to improve and supply the industry with quality products and outstanding customer service.  It is with great pride my brothers and I take over the company that my father started thirty-five years ago,” Andrew Lingel, President.

If you would like to contact Joe to wish him well, you can email him at jlingel@unitedplastic.com.  Send cards to our Corporate Headquarters.  United Plastic Fabricating, Inc. 165 Flagship Drive, North Andover, MA 01845.

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Greenwood Emergency Vehicles Open Houses 27 Oct 2021, 12:43 pm

UPF Attends Greenwood Emergency Vehicles Open Houses

Greenwood Emergency Vehicles held their Annual Open House in North Attleboro, MA, and Brunswick, Maine. On Wednesday, September 15th UPF’s Director of Sales and Business Development, Patrick Cahill, attended the Brunswick, Maine, and the North Attleboro event on Friday, September 17^th.

“I look forward to this event each September.  It was good to visit again with our friends from Greenwood.  The event is always a success. They are celebrating its 42nd year in the fire industry this year, and UPF is proud to be a supplier.  In addition, I got to hang out with Gordie Gronkowski Jr., who was there representing the family fitness line Gronk Fitness Products,” said Patrick Cahill.

Read more about the Fire Products that we design and manufacture for OEMs who supply fire departments worldwide.

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MIFDI Visits to Learn about UPF PolyTank Design 13 Jul 2021, 5:10 pm

MIFDI learns all about UPF Poly-Tank Design

Just last week, United Plastic Fabricating hosted the Massachusetts Institute of Fire Department Instructors at our Massachusetts location. Their visit (led by our CEO and owner Joe Lingel) included an overview of the engineering and fabrication processes. The day started off with an introduction by Joe, who also introduced our VP of Engineering Michael Ashley. The group broke into two groups, with Joe and Michael each leading one. Throughout the tour, the goal was to help the instructors learn about the UPF PolyTank design process, from engineering to manufacturing.

Learning about Engineering

Michael Ashley started his group in the engineering meeting room, where they discussed some of the decisions UPF makes. Engineer John Kendricken presented information on how we design the tanks, and together he and Michael fielded the instructors’ questions. In Michael’s own words, “this group as a whole was the most engaging and interactive among any prior tours I had given.” He praised their inquisitiveness, highlighting their interest in our design and building process. Not having any past experience working with MIFDI, Michael was impressed that their curiosity and interest aligned so well with their mission of sharing knowledge about fire training. Joe was struck by their interest in how detailed the planning process was for tank design through the engineering process.

Shop Tour

Much like the engineering session, the tour of the shop floor featured the group’s same level of interest. During the tour, the group saw the building process for the same tank that UPF showcased earlier in the day. One instructor expressed interest in how each team on the assembly floor worked independently, requiring little supervision in their station. During the showcase of the process, most questions dealt with issues related to machining, baffling, and welding. The shop tour also included an overview of our plastic tow truck body! Despite being fire educators, the group found the PolyBody just as interesting.

It was great to have everyone in the facility to discuss and share information, and we look forward to working together in the future. Micahel and Joe both expressed their appreciation for the questions and curiosity of MIFDI, and how happy they were with the day overall. For more information on MIFDI and their work, check out their site here!

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Fire Prevention Week kicks off in South Elgin with an open house 13 Jul 2021, 5:09 pm

UPF tanks and big OEMs at South Elgin open house for Fire Prevention Week!

United Plastic Fabricating’s Pat Cahill had the wonderful opportunity to attend South Elgin’s Fire Protection open house just over a week ago. The fire protection open house represented the start of Fire Prevention Week in South Elgin, and saw representation from a slew of big name trucks on display. Pierce, Spartan, Rosenbauer, US Tanker, and Crimson were all present with the variety of trucks. Newer models of trucks also featured UPF’s PolyTanks, giving further reliability to both the district and wider countryside!

This was more than just a chance to show off trucks, however; Fire Prevention Week’s focus was on community education as well. The emphasis this year focuses on awareness and how to recognize potential threats. “Look. Listen. Learn.” The name of the game this year promotes community learning, hoping to give people everywhere the agency to know when something goes wrong. You can learn more about South Elgin Fire Protection and the just-ended Fire Prevention Week here!

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Register Today for FDIC and Save 10% 13 Jul 2021, 5:09 pm

Register today for FDIC and receive a 10% discount!  April 8 – 13, 2019.  Join fire fighters from around the world in Indianapolis, IN.   For more information about the the show go to FDIC.

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Visit UPF at the Florida Tow Show 13 Jul 2021, 5:08 pm

It’s that time of year again and we are attending the Florida Tow Show!  Dynamic is growing and rolling with its new extended “Fusion” model 84” PolyBody®.  UPF booth #959/960 at the Florida tow show, (PWOF) in Orlando, April 12-14 will feature the new Fusion. The new Dynamic Extended Fusion PolyBody® gives you 24” more storage with large front “roll-up” doors manufactured by AMDOR.  In addition, this Fusion Extended PolyBody® model will be mounted on a red Lariat Ford F-550.

In addition to the Dynamic Fusion Model 84, UPF offers the same features for medium and heavy-duty replacement PolyBodies®.  Contact UPF at 800-638-8265 or polybody@unitedplastic.com to discuss your next wrecker project.  In conclusion, and you want a durable, rust-free, lightweight, corrosion-free option to update your fleet, stop by UPF booth #959/960 and check out our PolyBody®.

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UPF Donates N95 Masks to Local First Responders 9 Jul 2021, 4:03 pm

When Joe Lingel, the Owner of United Plastic Fabricating, Inc.  With a shortage of PPE for first responders Joe decided to inventory what his company had for N95 masks.  As a retired Fire Chief of Lynnfield, MA, he knows how important it is to have the right equipment for first responders.

“We purchased these masks a while ago to keep in stock.  I have reached out to other local businesses to check their supply in their warehouses.  The first responders need all the help we can offer,” said Joe Lingel, Owner of United Plastic Fabricating, Inc.  “If you have extra, please consider donating to the local FD and PD departments or local hospitals,” Lingel added.

Lingel decided to distribute what masks UPF had in stock to the North Reading Fire Department, Lynnfield Fire Department and to the North Andover Fire and Police Departments. He spent over 40 years on the Lynnfield Fire Department and retired as Chief on December 31, 2013.  North Andover is where UPF’s Corporate Headquarters is located and to show his gratitude for being there in the event of an emergency, he had a supply of masks dropped off at both local stations. Lingel currently lives in North Reading.

“UPF’s donation of N95 respirators to the North Andover Fire Department will help my Fire Fighters and EMTs to be able to continue to respond to calls for service safely,” said North Andover Fire Chief, Bill McCarthy.    “We have seen an outpouring of donations of PPE supplies from local businesses and families throughout the town.  The central station located at 795 Chickering Road is accepting donations and distributing needed supplies to Lawrence General Hospital,” McCarthy added.

UPF manufactures and maintains water and foam tanks for emergency vehicles, such as Fire Apparatus, Rescues, Ambulances, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles. This is deemed Critical Manufacturing and our facilities in Massachusetts, Wisconsin and Florida remain open.  As a result, our employees still working on site are all practicing Coronavirus guidelines.

In the mid 80s, the founders of United Plastic Fabricating, Inc. evaluated water tanks used for fire apparatus. They determined that water tanks could be made from high impact polypropylene instead of galvanized steel, which is heavy and prone to corrosion. This strong, lightweight plastic could be welded using extruded sheet and made into a water tank, while offering a weight savings and eliminating corrosion.  UPF is the #1 tank manufacturer in the fire industry and will be entering 35 years of business in December.

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