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The history of Havis Shields Equipment Corporation, is a story marked by innovation, quality products, and an understanding of customer needs.

Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1928 by Dan Havis and Jim Shields as a supplier and service provider of heavy-duty automotive electrical equipment, the company today is a leading manufacturer of emergency products for the public safety market.

Havis Shields' Kwik-Raze¬ and Collins Dynamics¬ lighting divisions design and manufacture emergency lighting products. The HSEC vehicle products division produces Consolidator¬ mobile equipment consoles and mounts, window screens, prisoner containment modules, and prisoner transport vehicles for agencies around the world.

THE EARLY YEARS

Havis Shields' entry into the emergency equipment business evolved from years of experience servicing automotive electronics, including heavy equipment, locomotives, race cars, and military vehicles. Some noteworthy achievements include:

The first direct-engine drive (gear drive) high-output alternator system for the Detroit diesel engine. This design was later adapted by Delco Remy, and Leece Neville as a standard production item.

The first starting control system for the United States Air Force consolidated aircraft towing tractor.

The company's experience with automotive electrial systems led to specialization in service and installation of equipment into public safety vehicles. As a result of this, Havis Shields emerged as a leader in police vehicle equipment sales and installation work.

GROWTH IN THE 1980'S

By 1980, Havis Shields expanded into manufacturing, and began marketing 120 and 220-volt high-intensity floodlight systems of the highest quality under the Kwik-Raze¬ brand name.

This was quickly followed by the Kwik-Vue¬ tactical inspection mirror, the HSEC 360 Motorcycle Strobe System; a high-intensity strobe light system for police motorcycle officers and custom-designed consoles for emergency vehicles.

The company also broadened its lighting products line with the purchase of Collins Dynamics¬ of Aurora, Colorado, from Coleman Corporation. Collins' expertise in high- intensity 12-volt emergency lighting products complemented the company's 120 and 220-volt Kwik-Raze¬ product line. Collins lights are still made in Colorado.

Havis Shields consolidated its Philadelphia area operations in 1988, and moved to a 20,000 square ft. facility in Warminster, PA.

In the late 1980's, Kwik-Raze introduced the Alpha 2000¬ Series of high-intensity lighting fixtures. This series of light fixtures is based on proprietary technology and produces a brilliant white light. These fixtures are one of the company's most popular products.

In 1991, Havis Shields opened a facility in Bayamon, Puerto Rico: HSEC Caribe, to sell emergency equipment and services to Puerto Rican and U.S. Government agencies on the island. Business in Puerto Rico is thriving.

NEW PRODUCTS FOR THE 90'S...

Havis Shields introduced many new and exciting products to the emergency services market in the 'nineties. In 1993, after many years of custom building vehicle equipment consoles and installing them into all types of vehicles, Havis Shields began offering a line of production consoles under the trade name Consolidator¬. This line of consoles and mounts for organizing equipment in a patrol car has been expanding ever since. The newest products are fully-adjustable mounts for laptop computers.

In lighting, Kwik-Raze introduced new Alpha 2000 Series mounts: the 1300 Series, for decks and limited spaces, and the 1600 and 1700 Series cast aluminum body mounts for all types of emergency vehicles.

In 1995, the all new Questar¬ roof-mounted spotlight was introduced. It's bright white light- 300,000 candlepower, and easy-to-use ergonomic handle have made it popular with utilities and police departments.

... AND A NEW MANUFACTURING FACILITY FOR THE 90'S

In December 1995, Havis Shields moved to larger quarters, a 30,000 sq. ft building, at 395 Jacksonville Road, in Warminster, PA.

THE FUTURE...

We're proud to play a part in equipping the public safety market. Look for Havis Shields to continue to introduce new and innovative products in 1998 and beyond.