Kovatch Corporation, one of Carbon County's largest employers, is selling its fire truck business to a Florida based company. But local employees are not expected to be affected by the move, according to company officials.

A deal is being finalized to sell the Nesquehoning-based fire truck manufacturer to REV Group, a Florida based company which owns a number of specialty vehicle manufacturers.

John Kovatch IV, the company's vice president and customer service director, confirmed the deal on Monday. It only affects the company's emergency vehicle business.

Kovatch IV said the sale should be concluded this week. The news was announced to employees on Monday. Kovatch IV was optimistic that the number of jobs in Nesquehoning will grow, not decrease, as a result of the deal.

Both companies are privately held. REV Group, which changed its name last year from Allied Specialty Vehicles.

Kovatch IV's grandfather, John "Sonny" Kovatch II, founded the business in 1946, and first opened its manufacturing facility at the intersection of routes 209 and 54 in 1950. Since then it has grown to become Carbon County's largest employer, with more than 700 employees. John Kovatch III currently serves as the company's CEO.

Kovatch IV said for the company's local employees, there will be no changes resulting from the deal. He actually expects the number of employees at the Nesquehoning site to go up once the transaction is complete.

"It's a great opportunity for all of our employees, and all of our customers," he said.