COMPANY OVERVIEW
BUILDING FOR LIFE: UNPARALLELED CRAFTSMANSHIP AND CUSTOMIZATION
Since 1961, when Charles J. Braun established our company as a pattern shop, we’ve evolved to meet your needs on the frontlines of emergency response. In the 1970s, we recognized what EMS professionals truly required—ambulances built specifically to perform under pressure when patient outcomes depend on reliable equipment.
Our hallmark combination of precise engineering and meticulous craftsmanship quickly established Braun as a leader among US ambulance manufacturers. For nearly six decades as a family-owned business, we cultivated a culture where every detail matters because we understand that details matter to you in critical moments.
The 2018 strategic partnership with Demers Ambulances expanded our capabilities while preserving our commitment to the quality your team depends on. Today, under third-generation President Kim Braun’s leadership, we continue building rugged, dependable ambulances alongside our partner brands, Medix Specialty Vehicles and Crestline Ambulances.
Explore our timeline to discover how Braun’s legacy of quality translates directly to better performance for your emergency response team when seconds count.
THE HISTORY OF BRAUN INDUSTRIES
Braun Patternworks Established
Braun Patternworks was founded by Charles J. Braun as a pattern shop in Lithopolis, Ohio.
Braun Industries, Inc. Established
Company name changed to Braun Industries, Inc. to reflect the shift to emergency vehicle manufacturing.
First Ambulance Built
Braun is awarded the bid to build their first van ambulance.
National Builder Status Achieved
Braun goes from a regional to national ambulance manufacturer with the expansion of the dealer partner network.
LFEA Slope Side Introduced
Braun introduces “LFEA” Slope Slide – a model still well-known today!
SolidBody™ Construction Developed
Braun moves from Steel to Aluminum SolidBody™ Construction.
Facility Expanded
Braun’s continued growth requires additional expansion of operational facilities.
Second-Generation Leadership Transition
Braun leadership transitions to the 2nd generation, Phil and Charma Braun.
New Facility Construction Initiated
Braun breaks ground on a new manufacturing facility in Van Wert, Ohio.
EZ Glide™ Door Technology Launched
Braun introduces signature EZ Glide™ Sliding Door for enhanced safety.
Aluminum Cabinetry Implemented
Braun introduces fully welded in cabinetry for a stronger and lighter weight storage solution.
F4 Tornado Impacts Facility
Braun’s facility is hit by an F4 tornado; multiple units still delivered that week.
Third-Generation Leadership Transition
Kim Braun becomes President of Braun Industries, Inc.
40th Anniversary Celebrated
Braun celebrates 40 years as a custom ambulance manufacturer.
EZ 02 Lift System Introduced
Braun releases the E-Z 02 Lift, a compact oxygen cylinder lift and storage compartment.
Express Plus Model Launched
Braun introduces the Express Plus model, a 150″ Type I module with full customization options.
Industry-First Crash Testing Conducted
Braun conducts industry-first crash testing with rollover and side impact.
45th Anniversary Celebrated
Braun celebrates their 45th anniversary with special events like an open house and employee dinner.
MasterTech FleetConnect Launched
Braun introduces the MasterTech FleetConnect – an ambulance connectivity platform – at EMS World 2017.
Demers-Braun Partnership Formed
Braun merges with Demers Ambulances to create 2nd largest ambulance manufacturer in North America.
Crestline Acquisition Completed
Parent company, Demers-Braun, acquires Crestline Coach Ltd.
Medix Acquisition Completed
Parent company, Demers-Braun, acquires Medix Specialty Vehicles.
IMPACT Airbag System Launched
Braun launches the IMPACT Airbag System, an EMS safety option with airbags, advanced seating restraints, and progressive resistance padding.
50th Anniversary Celebrated
Braun celebrates their golden anniversary as an ambulance manufacturer.
Select by Braun Product Line Launched
Braun introduces a lineup of pre-configured models enabling streamlined customization options
OUR GREATEST RESOURSE: A RESILIENT WORKFORCE
When emergency responders rely on Braun ambulances in life-critical situations, they benefit from the expertise of dedicated professionals who take pride in their craft. Our customers consistently praise the superior build quality and dependability of our vehicles—qualities that begin with our exceptional workforce.
We invest in the people who build your ambulances because we know that skilled, engaged employees deliver the precision craftsmanship you expect. Based primarily in Van Wert, Ohio, our team members enjoy comprehensive benefits that reflect our commitment to their well-being:
- Affordable family health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescriptions)
- Work-life balance through paid holidays, vacation time, and flexible scheduling
- Career growth through continued education assistance
- Financial security via 401(k) retirement plans and performance bonuses
The quality of care you provide your patients directly correlates with the quality of your equipment. By valuing our employees as our greatest asset, we ensure that every ambulance leaving our facility meets the exacting standards your team needs when lives are on the line.
This commitment to our employees and your emergency response needs has defined Braun’s approach since 1961—creating vehicles you can trust when every second counts.
Mission
We make life better, one relationship
and one vehicle at a time.
Vision
To be the partner of choice, dedicated to
safety and innovation, delivering an exceptional
customer experience through empowered employees.
