MTH Pumps has been designing and manufacturing pumps since the 1960s. While regenerative turbine pumps have always been our bread and butter, we’ve never been afraid to step outside the box and take on unique challenges. Over the years, we’ve engineered and built centrifugal pumps, immersible pumps, DC brushless canned pumps, pumps for the military, and a variety of specialized components to accompany them. But every once in a while, a project comes along that really puts our engineering team to the test—one that reminds us why we love what we do.
One of the projects we’re especially proud of took off—literally—a couple of years ago when we were tasked with designing an axial thrust pump that could be completely submerged and suspended from a hose beneath a moving helicopter. The mission? To rapidly fill a tank that could then be used for aerial firefighting. This pump is no slouch—it moves 500 gallons of water in just 30 seconds, giving first responders the ability to scoop up water on the fly and make faster, more effective drops over active wildfires.
Following the success of the first model, the customer came back with a new request: Could we make a smaller, lighter version that could still move serious amounts of water? Challenge accepted. The result was a second pump capable of lifting 300 gallons in 30 seconds, and this one has been making headlines recently for its role in battling the devastating wildfires that tore through California earlier this year.
We recently received an update from the field that made us incredibly proud:
“We wanted you to know that the LA County Fire Commission reached out to us to let us know how impressed they were with their equipment and how reliable it is. The equipment is being used right now on the ongoing fires outside of LA.”
Knowing that our pumps are making a real difference—helping firefighters on the front lines and ultimately saving lives—is something we don’t take lightly. It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do.
And now, this innovative firefighting pump is getting some well-deserved recognition! We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been nominated for Makers Madness: The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois!
To advance to the finals, we need your help. If you have a moment, head over to https://makersmadnessil.com/cast-your-vote/ and cast a vote (or two!) for our aerial firefighting refill pump.
