History - Demers Ambulances

Demers Company Timeline

The company had its humble beginnings in a Canadian cart and buggy shop, where the Demers family was already manufacturing funeral hearses and ambulances. Today, Demers is the oldest continuous ambulance manufacturer in North America.

At the turn of the 20th century, the Demers workshop produced vehicles for the growing transportation needs of an increasingly industrialized Canada and the emerging automotive age. That early involvement in transportation was to become a family tradition and vision for the next 60 years. In the industry today, Demers Ambulances is probably the only manufacturer that can truly trace its heritage back to its original buggy shop in the 1800s.

Demers 1st Custom-Built Buggy

Beginning in 1892 the Demers family provides custom-built buggies, carriages, hearses, ambulances, and casket wagons to a pre-automotive-era Canada. MORE

Paul Demers, Founder

Paul Demers was a proud member in the family business and heritage of funeral specialists and ambulance services, eventually opening his own funeral home.

Demers Ambulances, 1960

In 1960 Paul Demers & Fils, Inc. was formed for the unique purpose of building a high-quality line of ambulances.

Demers Facilities '70

Between 1967 and 1971, the facilities quadrupled in size to meet the burgeoning demand for its products.

Latin America, 1974

In 1974 Demers Ambulances received its first orders from Latin America, with a total of 200 new ambulances delivered.

First Ambulance Based on a Van Chassis

In the ’70, Demers Ambulances introduced its first ambulance built on a van chassis (today called a type II ambulance).

New Facilities, 1976

Demers moves into new facilities, tripling its square footage and significantly increasing its production capabilities. MORE

Deliveries to the Middle East, 1979

By this time, the growth and recognition of the Demers line had expanded beyond North and South America.

Production Record, 1982

In 1982, the company marked a significant production record: 600 units were produced and delivered in one year. MORE

Funeral Vehicles, 1984

In 1984, Demers Ambulance benefited from its experience in automotive modification and body work in order to expand its offering.

Limousines, 1984

When the market demands for more luxurious vehicles were heard, Demers Ambulances introduced a line of limousines to its range of products.

First Order from North Africa, 1988

In 1988, the first order was received from Northern Africa, making the Demers name known and respected virtually the entire world over. MORE

Canada's Leading Ambulance Manufacturer, 1990s

By the early 1990s, Demers Ambulances had become Canada’s leading ambulance manufacturer.

Demers Introduces Aluminum Cabinet Structure, 1991

In 1991, Demers introduced an aluminum cabinet structure as a standard feature in its vehicles, replacing much of what was wood with the lightweight metal.

Mirage CX Series Launched, 1992

The Mirage CX series was launched in 1992.

ARVI Partnership with Demers, 1992

In 1992, Rick Reddekopp founds Advanced Response Vehicles Inc. (ARVI) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. MORE

Mystere Series Launched, 1994

In 1994, the launch of the Mystere series again put Demers Ambulances in the spotlight.

Demers Ambulances Introduced to US, 1999

1999 - 10,000th unit delivered Demers Ambulances are introduced to the United States market. Demers Ambulances were tested to exceed the USA standard of KKK-A-1822. MORE

Orders Received from Department of National Defense-Canada, 1999

Repeat orders were received from the Department of National Defense and Canadian Forces.

Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies

In 2000, Demers Ambulances is named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies MORE

Demers Receives Recognition from SABEX

Advanced Response Vehicles–a division of Demers received a recognition from Saskatchewan Achievement in Business Excellence (SABEX) nomination (30 participants) in category for growth.

Demers Purchases Advanced Response Vehicles, Inc.

2006-15,000th unit delivered. Demers purchased the existing dealership in Saskatoon, hired the former owner, Rick Reddekopp, and gave him the mandate to pursue growth in his market.

Contract Secured from BCAS and Alberta Health Services

In 2009, a major contract and significant order is secured from the British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS) and Alberta Health Services MORE

Demers Serves Winter Olympics & Establishes US Sales Force

February 2010 - Demers ambulances, through its association with BCAS, serve the XXI Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, BC.

Demers Launches Mystere MX 160 ECO

June 2010 Demers launches the Mystere MX 160 ECO ambulance, a first in the industry.

Demers Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

July 2010 - Demers celebrates its 50th anniversary as a corporation

Mirage EX Sprinter Wins Top Innovation Award

November 2010, the ambulance model Mirage EX Sprinter wins the 2010 TOP INNOVATION AWARD from EMS World, the largest media group in the Emergency Medical Services Industry in North America. MORE

EcoSmart System Wins Top Innovation Award

November 2011, the Demers EcoSmart System wins the 2011 TOP INNOVATION AWARD from EMS World.

AHS Purchases 80 MX164 Ambulances

2012, Alberta Health Services, AB (AHS) after having purchased 60 ambulances for the past several years from Demers, AHS provides a PO for a quantity of 80 single cot GM gas MX164 ambulances. MORE

Westerkirk Acquires Demers' Ambulance Manufacturer Inc.

In July 2012, Westerkirk Capital and Ironbridge Equity Partners of Toronto were pleased to announce that they, together with management, had acquired Demers’ Ambulance Manufacturer Inc.

Demers Consolidates its Presence in Canada

By end of 2013, Demers consolidates its presence in Canada with close to 70% market share and continues its expansion in the USA.

Demers Opens Plant in Plattsburgh, New York

Late 2014, Demers increased manufacturing square footage by opening a plant in Plattsburgh, New York.

Demers Celebrates 55 Years of Success

In 2015, Demers celebrated 55 years of success, with more than 18,000 ambulances sold in over 20 countries. MORE

Demers Introduces the Ford Transit

In June 2016, Demers introduces its newest addition to their type II lineup, the Ford Transit (TS).

Demers Builds Their First Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU)

Earlier on in 2016, Alberta Health Services (AHS) granted Demers with the mandate to build their very first Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU).

Ironbridge Sells Demers Ambulances to Clearspring Capital Partners

November 2016, Ironbridge Equity Partners enter in agreement to sell Demers Ambulances to an entity controlled by Clearspring Capital Partners.

Demers Wins the EMS Today 2017 Hot Products Award

Demers wins the EMS Today 2017 Hot Products Award with its Ford Transit TSE.

Merger between Demers Ambulances and Braun Industries Inc.

Demers Ambulances merged with Braun Industries, Inc., a leader in custom ambulance manufacturing based in Ohio, USA.