Ward Diesel Filter Systems
Ward Diesel Filter Systems manufactures and installs apparatus-mounted diesel exhaust filtration systems (NO SMOKE product line) for fire departments, EMS, ARFF, law enforcement, and the U.S. Air Force, using proprietary catalyst technology sold via factory-direct installation and OEM partnerships with fire apparatus builders.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1987
- HeadquartersHorseheads, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Ward Diesel Filter Systems does
Ward Diesel Filter Systems, doing business as Beecher Emission Solution Technologies, LLC, is a privately held manufacturer and installer of apparatus-mounted diesel exhaust filtration systems for the fire and emergency services industry. Founded in 1987 in Horseheads, New York, the company designs, builds, and installs the NO SMOKE line of direct source capture exhaust removal systems (NO SMOKE, NO SMOKE 2, NO SMOKE Gas, and NO SMOKE for ARFF) that filter diesel exhaust at the vehicle tailpipe before harmful gases and particulates can enter fire station bays or spread on emergency scenes. The underlying technology relies on proprietary flow-through ceramic substrates with platinum and palladium wash coats; the NO SMOKE 2 system regenerates automatically when the vehicle's After Treatment Device regenerates, eliminating routine filter replacement. NO SMOKE Gas delivers up to 95% reduction in CO and HC and 99% reduction in NOx on gasoline engines.
The company sells directly to fire departments, EMS organizations, airport rescue and firefighting (ARFF) units, law enforcement SWAT teams, and the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center, with installation performed by factory-direct technicians who travel to customer facilities or apparatus builder locations. Channel partnerships with OEMs such as Ferrara Fire Apparatus (REV Group) and Williams Fire Apparatus embed NO SMOKE into new apparatus build specifications. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; legacy NO SMOKE replacement filters sell for $395 each and are required every 2-3 years, while NO SMOKE 2 filters regenerate and do not require replacement. The company also operates a free grant assistance program through its partnership with Lexipol's FireGrantsHelp to help fire departments access FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grants (approximately $291.6 million available in FY 2025). Ward Diesel employs 51-100 people and operates alongside affiliated companies EL Manufacturing (components), Ward Apparatus, Ward Fire Equipment, Ward Apparatus Service, and Boss Security under the ownership of President Scott H. Beecher, who purchased the company in 2013.
Ward Diesel Filter Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ward Diesel Filter Systems
- Legal name
- Beecher Emission Solution Technologies, LLC
- Website
- https://warddiesel.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1987
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Ward Diesel Filter Systems manufactures and installs apparatus-mounted diesel exhaust filtration systems (NO SMOKE product line) for fire departments, EMS, ARFF, law enforcement, and the U.S. Air Force, using proprietary catalyst technology sold via factory-direct installation and OEM partnerships with fire apparatus builders.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Ward Diesel Filter Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Fire Apparatus Exhaust Filtration Systems
- NAICS
- Industrial and Commercial Fan and Blower and Air Purification Equipment Manufacturing (333413)
- SIC
- Industrial & Commercial Fans & Blowers & Air Purifing Equip (3564)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Emission Control & Scrubbing Equipment (Scrubbers, Dust Collectors, Catalytic Systems) (IMAHAEAK)
Keywords
Where Ward Diesel Filter Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Horseheads
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Ward Diesel Filter Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- NO SMOKE Diesel Exhaust Filtration Systems: One-time sale of apparatus-mounted diesel exhaust filtration systems. The NO SMOKE, NO SMOKE 2, and NO SMOKE Gas systems are sold as hardware with factory-direct installation by Ward Diesel technicians. Revenue is generated per unit installed, with pricing varying by vehicle type and system specification.
- Replacement Filters and Parts: NO SMOKE 2 filters regenerate automatically and require virtually no maintenance. Original NO SMOKE filters require replacement approximately every 2-3 years. Replacement filters are sold as unit-priced consumables at $395 plus shipping each way. This provides recurring parts revenue over the life of each installed system.
- Factory-Direct Installation Services: Ward Diesel factory technicians travel to customer facilities and builder/dealer locations to perform all installations. Installation is included as part of the system sale or negotiated as a service for new builds specified with NO SMOKE systems.
- Grant Assistance Services: Ward Diesel provides free grant review services to fire departments pursuing FEMA AFG funding for exhaust removal systems. This is a customer acquisition and support service rather than a direct revenue stream, helping customers secure funding that enables purchases.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | NO SMOKE Replacement Filter |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Full NO SMOKE System (Apparatus-Mounted Filtration) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Ward Diesel Filter Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ward Diesel Filter Systems designs, manufactures, and installs apparatus-mounted, direct source diesel exhaust filtration systems (the NO SMOKE product line) for fire apparatus and emergency response vehicles. The systems are sold as hardware to fire departments, government agencies, and military fire services, with factory-direct installation by company technicians who travel to customer facilities. The company also provides replacement filters and a free Grant Assistance Program to help fire departments secure FEMA AFG funding for purchases.
Product overview
Ward Diesel Filter Systems offers the NO SMOKE line of apparatus-mounted, direct source diesel exhaust filtration systems designed specifically for fire departments and emergency response vehicles. The product portfolio includes: NO SMOKE (for 2006 and earlier engines), NO SMOKE 2 (for 2007, 2010, and newer vehicles), NO SMOKE Gas (for gasoline engines), and NO SMOKE for ARFF (for aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles). All systems are apparatus-mounted, providing portable protection both inside fire stations and on-scene. The company also provides a Grant Assistance Program to help fire departments secure FEMA AFG funding for exhaust removal system installations. The company has been manufacturing and installing exhaust filtration solutions since 1987, with over 30 years of experience in the fire industry.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- NO SMOKE: Original apparatus-mounted, direct source diesel exhaust filtration system for 2006 and earlier model engines.
- NO SMOKE 2
- NO SMOKE Gas
- NO SMOKE for ARFF
Products and services
- NO SMOKE (Original) The original apparatus-mounted, direct source diesel exhaust filtration system designed for 2006 and earlier model engines. It captures harmful particulate and gases through a filter, diverter unit, and electronic control module, working automatically to protect firefighters from diesel exhaust dangers.
- NO SMOKE 2 An improved apparatus-mounted diesel exhaust filtration system designed for 2007, 2010, and newer vehicles with After Treatment Devices. Features a high-performance substrate with proprietary wash coat that removes gaseous matter and regenerates automatically when the vehicle's ATD regenerates.
- NO SMOKE Gas A flow-through ceramic catalyst system specifically designed for gasoline engines that emit higher levels of harmful gases. Reduces Carbon Monoxide and Hydrocarbons by up to 95% and Nitrogen Oxides by up to 99%.
- NO SMOKE for ARFF A specialized vehicle-mounted direct source diesel exhaust particulate filter system designed for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicles. Provides complete protection both inside and outside the station without requiring hanging hoses, and supports FAA 14CFR Part 139 response time compliance.
- Grant Assistance Program A comprehensive grant assistance service that provides grant research, grant alert notices, and application reviews for fire departments seeking funding for exhaust removal systems projects, including FEMA AFG grant application assistance in partnership with Lexipol/FireGrantsHelp.
Quantifiable outcome
- NO SMOKE Gas reduces Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrocarbons (HC) by up to 95% and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) by up to 99%
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Ward Diesel Filter Systems
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Ward Diesel Filter Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Ward Diesel Filter Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- EL ManufacturingcoreEL Manufacturing is a sister company of Ward Diesel Filter Systems, established in 2013. Ward Diesel sources all NO SMOKE system components and parts from EL Manufacturing, ensuring product quality control and maintaining American-made manufacturing. This in-house supply chain is a key element of Ward Diesel's quality assurance.
- Lexipol / FireGrantsHelpcoreWard Diesel partners with Lexipol's FireGrantsHelp division to offer fire departments a free grant review service and a 25% discount on grant writing services. FireGrantsHelp has assisted local government agencies for over 15 years and has helped secure over $300M in grant award funding. This partnership is critical for helping fire departments access FEMA AFG funding to purchase NO SMOKE systems.
- Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc. (REV Group)coreFerrara Fire Apparatus, a subsidiary of REV Group, specifies and installs NO SMOKE systems in custom fire apparatus builds. Ferrara has equipped Birmingham Fire & Rescue with 12 new trucks, each fitted with Ward Diesel NO SMOKE filter systems. Ward Diesel factory technicians travel to Ferrara facilities to perform installations during the new build process.
- Williams Fire ApparatuscoreWilliams Fire Apparatus is a fire apparatus dealer and builder that partners with Ward Diesel for NO SMOKE Filter System installations. Ward Diesel technicians travel to Williams Fire Apparatus locations to install systems for customers such as Gwinnett County Fire, as demonstrated in a dealer installation video.
- IAFC / VCOS (Volunteer and Combination Officers Section)coreWard Diesel Filter Systems worked alongside IAFC/VCOS and the National Volunteer Fire Council to develop the Lavender Ribbon Report focusing on 11 Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer. Scott Beecher, President, served as Committee Chair. The report (originally 2018, updated 2021) is a key industry resource for firefighter cancer prevention and has been recognized with a Fire Service Safety Leadership Award.
- NVFC (National Volunteer Fire Council)coreWard Diesel is a co-developer and advocate for NVFC's cancer prevention initiatives, including the Lavender Ribbon Report and Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. The company co-sponsored the Chief James P. Seavey Sr. Health and Wellness Leadership Award since its creation and participated in NVFC-hosted webinars on cancer prevention.
- US Air Force Civil Engineer Center Fire and Emergency ServicescoreThe Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Fire and Emergency Services division at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, is spearheading an initiative to make NO SMOKE filtration systems standard equipment on all new Air Force fire trucks going forward. This represents a major institutional endorsement and standard equipment designation.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Ward Diesel Filter Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- MagneGrip: MagneGrip is a leading manufacturer of magnetic hose-based vehicle exhaust extraction systems for fire stations and emergency facilities, the closest direct competitor to Ward Diesel's NO SMOKE line serving the same fire service customers.
- Plymovent: Plymovent manufactures vehicle exhaust extraction and filtration systems for emergency vehicles, fire stations, and industrial fleets, competing with Ward Diesel in the broader exhaust capture category.
- Hose Solutions Plus: Hose Solutions Plus supplies hose-based exhaust extraction systems for fire stations and emergency vehicle bays, an alternative approach competing with Ward Diesel's apparatus-mounted direct source capture technology.
- Air Cleaning Systems: Air Cleaning Systems provides vehicle exhaust extraction and source capture systems for fire stations, EMS, and police facilities, directly overlapping with Ward Diesel's customer base and product offering.
Others
- Kussmaul Electronics: Kussmaul Electronics manufactures vehicle power and electronic systems for emergency vehicles, addressing the same apparatus customer base with complementary (not competing) on-vehicle equipment.
- Ferrara Fire Apparatus (REV Group): Ferrara is a major fire apparatus OEM and a key channel partner specifying NO SMOKE in new builds; included as a customer/ecosystem participant rather than direct competitor in filtration.
- Williams Fire Apparatus: Williams Fire Apparatus is a fire apparatus dealer and builder that installs NO SMOKE systems during new builds, included as a channel partner and customer ecosystem participant.
- Hale Products (IDEX Corporation): Hale Products manufactures fire pumps and related firefighting equipment, addressing the same fire apparatus customers as Ward Diesel and serving as a relevant adjacent industry player.
Broad incumbents
- Nederman: Nederman is a global industrial air filtration and exhaust extraction company offering vehicle exhaust systems for fleets and emergency services, representing a much larger incumbent in the same product category.
- Donaldson Company: Donaldson is a large industrial filtration manufacturer serving heavy-duty diesel and specialty vehicle markets with emission control technologies, representing a potential broad incumbent that could encroach on Ward Diesel's niche.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Ward Diesel Filter Systems social profiles
Digital presenceWard Diesel Filter Systems compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Ward Diesel Filter Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ward Diesel Filter Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Ward Diesel Filter Systems subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Ward Diesel Filter Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ward Diesel Filter Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Ward Diesel Filter Systems
What does Ward Diesel Filter Systems do?
Ward Diesel Filter Systems designs, manufactures, and installs apparatus-mounted, direct source diesel exhaust filtration systems (the NO SMOKE product line) for fire apparatus and emergency response vehicles. The systems are sold as hardware to fire departments, government agencies, and military fire services, with factory-direct installation by company technicians who travel to customer facilities. The company also provides replacement filters and a free Grant Assistance Program to help fire departments secure FEMA AFG funding for purchases.
Is Ward Diesel Filter Systems a public or private company?
Ward Diesel Filter Systems is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Ward Diesel Filter Systems founded?
Ward Diesel Filter Systems was founded in 1987. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Ward Diesel Filter Systems based?
Ward Diesel Filter Systems is headquartered in Horseheads, United States, in the North America region.
How does Ward Diesel Filter Systems make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. NO SMOKE Diesel Exhaust Filtration Systems are the primary driver. The others are replacement Filters and Parts, factory-Direct Installation Services and grant Assistance Services.
Who are Ward Diesel Filter Systems's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are MagneGrip, Plymovent, Hose Solutions Plus and Air Cleaning Systems. Others are Kussmaul Electronics, Ferrara Fire Apparatus (REV Group), Williams Fire Apparatus and Hale Products (IDEX Corporation). Broad incumbents are Nederman and Donaldson Company.
Does Ward Diesel Filter Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ward Diesel Filter Systems.
What industry is Ward Diesel Filter Systems in?
Ward Diesel Filter Systems's product category is Fire Apparatus Exhaust Filtration Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHAEAK, Emission Control & Scrubbing Equipment (Scrubbers, Dust Collectors, Catalytic Systems). Its NAICS code is 333413 and its SIC code is 3564.