The city of Fullerton has filed a class-action lawsuit in federal court alleging manufacturers and dealers have colluded to inflate the prices of fire safety equipment, city officials said Tuesday.
The lawsuit filed April 21 names Oshkosh Corporation, REV Group Inc. and Boise Mobile Equipment Inc. in addition to multiple dealers. Messages left with Oshkosh and REV Group were not immediately returned.
The antitrust lawsuit alleges the companies created various territories to curtail competition and keep municipalities from seeking better prices. The suit also alleges the companies used software on pricing that halted dealers from competition and also kept production down to jack up prices.
City officials say prices for fire equipment have surged over the past decade to the point of outpacing inflation. They also claimed that fire departments have to wait three to five years for equipment to be delivered.
The city spent $2.2 million on fire equipment three years ago and is still awaiting delivery, officials said.
“The city of Fullerton has a responsibility to be a careful steward of taxpayer dollars while ensuring our first responders have the tools they need to keep our community safe,” Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung said. “When unlawful practices drive up costs and delay critical public safety equipment it impacts every resident we serve. We are taking action to protect our community and demand accountability.”