The Sutphen Experience

At Sutphen, purchasing a fire apparatus is more than a transaction—it’s a collaborative journey built on trust, innovation, and an unmatched customer experience that only a family-owned company can provide. From initial planning to final delivery and long after your truck is in service, Sutphen stands beside you with expert support, true craftsmanship, and a commitment that lasts a lifetime.

Family-Owned and Operated

Family-owned and operated is more than just a saying at Sutphen. With multiple generations of Sutphen family members working and leading the business, Sutphen takes pride in fostering a family atmosphere for both our team members and our customers. Our family business has never been reorganized, owned or operated by anyone other than a Sutphen family member. In fact, it’s 135 years later and you can still speak directly with a Sutphen.

Timeline of Sutphen History The Sutphen Family Leadership Team

Core Values & Mission Statement

We recognize how important our customers, employees, and families are to the success of our company. We understand that our company’s well-being is dependent upon our contributions and commitment. We all agree to grow our business through the following core values and mission statement:

Innovation

We will continually offer innovative new products in the fire apparatus market.

Integrity

Mutually consider each other as a vital part of our production. Be truthful and honest.

Teamwork

Divide the challenge, double the success.

Respect

Treat others with the same respect we expect.

Quality

We will constantly re-evaluate and upgrade our quality assurance process and our customer service.

Accountability

We will be accountable for our work, and invest the time and effort to do things right the first time.

Mission Statement

At Sutphen, our mission is to build the safest, most reliable, fire apparatus in the world, through innovation and customer focus.

Purpose Statement

To support the fire service in protecting our communities and saving lives and property.

Historical Timeline

An industry leader since 1890, Sutphen is proud of its storied history. Learn more about Sutphen’s legacy and tradition within the fire service via the timeline below.

2024

Sutphen opens the new Urbana facility

Sutphen Corporation officially opens its new Urbana facility at 935 S. Edgewood Avenue. The 185,000-square-foot facility increases capacity, increases jobs and increases the footprint of Sutphen throughout the fire industry.

2021

Sutphen breaks ground on new Urbana facility

131 years into the family business, Sutphen continues to grow. Fifth generation family members begin to take on leadership roles within the business and the Sutphen family recognizes the need for additional manufacturing capacity and office space. Pictured here are fourth, fifth and sixth generations of Sutphen family members.

2016

Rear Mount aerials introduced

Sutphen Corporation introduces its first rear-mount aerial apparatus with the SLR 75, a 75-foot, rear-mount, aerial ladder. While this is the first of its kind for Sutphen, it is only two years later in 2018 that Sutphen introduces a 108-foot version of its rear-mount aerial.

2004

Sutphen Unveils the SPH 100

After listening to customers ask for additional compartment space, more ground ladders and a shorter length truck, Sutphen develops its SPH 100 mid-mount aerial platform. The first SPH 100 was bought by Harrison City, Pennsylvania, and soon becomes the best-selling mid-mount aerial platform in the fire industry.

1997

Drew Sutphen and Julie Sutphen Phelps officially take over the business and become President of Sutphen Corporation and Sutphen Towers, respectively.

Upon Tom Sutphen’s retirement, he officially appoints the fourth generation to top leadership positions. Under Drew and Julie’s leadership, Sutphen continues to grow and develop to new heights never before seen by the business. Pictured here is Drew Sutphen on the front page of a local Columbus paper and Julie with her father, Tom Sutphen.

1987

Sutphen Corporation introduces its first split-tilt and full-tilt cabs.

As demand for tilt cabs grows, Sutphen Corporation introduces both a split-tilt and full-tilt cab to the market. The new cabs allow for more accessibility to the engine compartment and service after the sale. Pictured here is Drew Sutphen with the company’s first split-tilt cab.

1978

The Sutphen Hilliard facility opens

As Sutphen continues to grow, there is a need for expansion and the family business opens a second facility 15 minutes from the Dublin facility in Hilliard, Ohio. The strong interest in the 65-foot mini-tower leads to the creation of a separate plant dedicated solely to that product’s construction. Pictured here is one of the first mini-towers built at the Hilliard facility in the late 1970s.

1968

The first Sutphen custom chassis is manufactured

The first Sutphen custom chassis is manufactured in 1968 for the Washington D.C. Fire Department’s new 85-foot aerial apparatus. The second custom chassis is manufactured for a custom pumper destined for the local Dublin, Ohio, fire department, Washington Township.

1963

Sutphen builds and sells its first mid-mount aerial apparatus

Built with many of the same engineering applications as today’s Sutphen mid-mount apparatus, the first-ever mid-mount aerial firefighting apparatus was constructed and then sold to Norwalk, Ohio. The design, featuring huck bolts and a four-sided box boom, was the idea of Tom Sutphen and helped propel the business forward.

1960s

Tom and Bob Sutphen become President and Chairman of the Board, respectively

After the passing of Harry Sutphen, his son’s Bob and Tom, take over the family business. Bob becomes Chairman of the Board while Tom takes over as President. The two brothers are responsible for numerous traditions, processes, products, and business practices still implemented today by Sutphen Corporation.

1931

Harry Sutphen takes over as president of Sutphen Corporation

After the passing of C.H. Sutphen, his son, Harry, took over as president of the company. It is during this time that Harry Sutphen and Associates represented and sold Prospect Chemical carts and fire engines. Pictured here is Harry Sutphen coming home to his sons, Bob and Tom, after a week on the road selling equipment.

1890

C.H. Sutphen Starts Harry Sutphen and Associates

Clarence Sutphen begins selling fire hose, various firefighting tools and steam-powered pumping engines called sidewalk steamers. C.H.’s entrepreneurship begins the Sutphen family legacy in the fire service.

The Sutphen Family Leadership Team

Sutphen is truly family-owned and operated. To this day, the Sutphen family’s fourth and fifth generation lead in nearly every aspect of the business. From management to IT and everything in between, the Sutphen family understands what a family atmosphere brings to the purchasing process and emphasizes that with every customer. Below, you can learn more about each family member involved in the business.

Shelby Sutphen Chambers

Fifth Generation | President – Sutphen Corp.

Shelby Sutphen Chambers is the fifth-generation family President of Sutphen Corporation. Shelby is responsible for leading the company’s corporate governance, shaping the strategic direction, and...Read More

Julie Sutphen Phelps

Fourth Generation | President – Sutphen Hilliard & East

Julie Sutphen Phelps is a member of the Sutphen family’s fourth-generation and is the current President of Sutphen Hilliard and Sutphen East and is Vice...Read More

Dan Sutphen

Fourth Generation | Vice President

Dan Sutphen began his career in sales with Sutphen Corporation in 1975. Since then, Dan has become one of the most respected and accomplished fire...Read More

Drew Sutphen

Fourth Generation | Member of the Board of Directors

From his early days sweeping factory floors to leading the company as President, Drew Sutphen has dedicated nearly 50 years to Sutphen Corporation with a...Read More

Steven Phelps

Fifth Generation | IT & Business Systems

Steven began his career at Sutphen in 2014 as a staff accountant, where he gained in-depth knowledge of the company and the broader fire industry....Read More

Andy Herb

Fifth Generation | Sales

Andy Herb is a fifth-generation Sutphen family member and owner of Herb Fire Equipment, the certified-Sutphen dealership for Northern Ohio, Northern Indiana and Western New...Read More

Harry Sutphen

Fifth Generation | Sales

Harry Sutphen is a fifth-generation Sutphen family member and the owner of Heritage Fire Equipment, the certified-Sutphen dealership for Southern Ohio, Southern Indiana, Kentucky and...Read More

Megan Phelps

Fifth Generation | VP of Sutphen Hilliard

Megan Phelps is a fifth-generation Sutphen family member and the Vice President of Sutphen’s Hilliard and East facilities. In her leadership role, Megan collaborates closely...Read More

Ready to Experience The Sutphen Difference?

When you choose Sutphen, you’re not just buying a fire apparatus—you’re joining a legacy of service, innovation, and family values that spans over 135 years. Connect with our team today to begin the conversation, schedule a consultation, or see firsthand what sets the Sutphen experience apart.