Why would any Fire Company consider paying $300,000 to $400,000

North Cape May - Why would any Fire Company consider paying $300,000 to $400,000 more for a new ladder truck just because of the manufacturer? Paying for a name brand does not make any sense. Other Fire Companies in Cape May County have been comparison shopping and saving a lot of money. When buying repeatedly from the same manufacturer, you do not get the best price. Also, their parts are proprietary, which means that you can only buy from and through that manufacturer which translates into higher maintenance and repair costs forever. Once you remove the name tag, the apparatus are essentially identical.