Fire engine fleet deal struck with Iraq

A $31 million UK Government loan will help Iraq purchase 62 British-made fire engines in a bluelight fleet deal announced today (Friday, January 31).     

Two British businesses, Ayrshire-headquartered Emergency One and Batley-based Angloco, will deliver one of Iraq’s biggest-ever investments into its emergency services thanks to the loan from UK Export Finance (UKEF), the Government’s export credit agency.

By helping buyers to purchase UK exports more easily, UKEF loans secure large contracts with favourable payment terms for British businesses – including small businesses likely to need payment upfront before they can deliver a contract.  

Gareth Thomas, UK minister for exports, said: “We have a Plan for Change to help grow our economy and support workers right across the country and that’s precisely what these deals are about.

“Shining a spotlight on cutting edge tech and highly skilled jobs, this announcement shows the UK’s exporting potential and manufacturing strength.” 

Emergency One supplies more than 90% of the UK’s fire and rescue services and continues to grow its international presence. 

It will be supplying a fleet of MAN TGM vehicles with 6,500 litre water tanks and 500 litre foam tanks to Iraq.

Angloco, a well-established SME, exports to more than 70 countries worldwide. 

It will supply 31 ‘AVQ 19047 Mercedes 2036’ vehicles able to carry up to 6,000 litres of water and 500 litres of foam.

His Excellency Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, Iraq Minister of Interior, said: “The Government of Iraq is contracting with British companies through the UKEF Loan to import specialised firefighting vehicles for the directorate of civil defence. 

“This will contribute significantly to the strengthening of the directorate’s capabilities through the use of high-quality vehicles. This demonstrates the continuous support received by the directorate by the UK and will improve our ability to tackle fire incidents.” 

In 2023, a UKEF guarantee helped British firms to secure more than £100m in export contracts to support the installation of 350km in drainage infrastructure around Hillah city.