Professionals at work.

They are supported by equally experienced firefighting professionals: two identical, multifunctional Mercedes‑Benz Econic HTLF 40/20-5 models, each equipped with a cargo liftgate. And the versatility of the two new Econic drastically increases their cost-effectiveness: they replace five firefighting and logistics vehicles as well as six roll-off containers at the plant.

Firefighters need their strength for firefighting operations in an emergency, so all aids should avoid unnecessary strain. The Mercedes-Benz Econic follows this principle consistently with its low-entry concept. Compared with traditional trucks, firefighters have to take one fewer step when getting in and out of the Econic. This advantage led Bayer's works fire brigade to choose the Econic. After all, with heavy breathing apparatus on their backs, the easy entry makes a huge difference. Professional supports professional.

The plant fire brigade faces a wide range of scenarios, so the response vehicles must be equally versatile. After all, in an emergency there is no time to search for or change equipment. For this reason, the planning of the vehicle body and equipment by the Austrian manufacturer EMPL was carried out in close cooperation with Bayer.

The two HTLF 40/20-5 vehicles of Bayer's plant fire brigade are built on the Econic 1830 L 4x2 chassis. Each is equipped with three seats, a 360-degree camera, a rearview camera with Nightshoot and microphone, as well as reversing lights. Special equipment includes, among other things, a loudspeaker system, RettBox, a blue light bar, front strobe lights and a Martin horn system. Special storage compartments and containers provide space, for example, for heavy boots and a thermal imaging camera.

The arrangement of the response equipment and fittings on the roll cart also follows logical and ergonomic principles. This ensures that everything is quickly within reach in an emergency and that the two Econic vehicles are true multifunctional tools for the firefighters.

Firefighters can face critical situations with confidence in the Econic HTLF. The body, made from Alu‑Tech sandwich panels, provides ample volume for firefighting operations — with a 2,000 l water tank and a 500 l foam tank that can be replaced when required. On the passenger side the EMPL FPN 10-4000 S fire-fighting centrifugal pump and the rapid attack line are installed. A pump pre-mix system and a modern Venturi mixer, with additional external foam connection points in the load compartment and at the rear, enhance the operational power of both Econic vehicles.

On both sides of the body there are two equipment compartments each with LED interior lighting, sealed dust- and watertight by powder-coated, quiet-running aluminium roller shutters with Barlock locks. The roller doors feature a central locking function and are equipped with self-tensioning pull straps. Step flaps are fitted to all roller-shutter housings, including above the rear axle.

At the rear of the Econic a cargo liftgate with a capacity of 1,500 kg at 1 t outreach and a rear warning system have been installed. Emergency personnel can enter the cargo area from the passenger side via a door with a retractable ladder. Six roller trolleys (120 cm x 80 cm), a rescue platform and a railing system can be stored here at the same time. Side rails with crossbars and ratchet straps then ensure secure fixation of loads weighing up to 3 t.

Two additional side roll-up shutters provide access to the deep roller-trolley sidewall area. In an integrated interior roof box four semi-rigid B-chemical hoses and a connection line with Storz coupling for foam agent to the foam tank are stowed. Additionally, the cargo compartment features a whiteboard at the bulkhead as well as windows in the door and on the opposite side.

The plant fire brigade’s equipment list is long: an 8 kVA onboard power generator that can be operated simultaneously with the pump is included, as well as two multi-purpose ladders and a rescue platform. The extensive equipment for all operational scenarios fits easily into the spacious cargo compartments of the two Econic HTLFs.