COMPANY SPOTLIGHT: Metro Emergency Upfitters
10/19/2026
Before Branson Perry retired from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in 2023, his final patrol car was built by Metro Emergency Upfitters. He remembers it as the nicest patrol vehicle he had driven during his career.
Today, Perry leads MEU’s operation at MidAmerica Industrial Park, overseeing the team responsible for building the same kinds of vehicles he once relied on in the field.
“We aren’t just building cars; we’re building vehicles that help keep law enforcement officers and our communities safe,” Perry said. “There is a real purpose behind the work we do.”
Founded in Oklahoma City in 2014 by President Aaron York, MEU opened its second location at MidAmerica in June 2025. The Pryor operation began with one customer and two technicians. It has since grown to 15 technicians and an office assistant serving more than 50 agencies.
GROWING AT MIDAMERICA
MEU leases an approximately 30,000-square-foot facility at MidAmerica with 16 service bays. Seven bays are currently in full-time use, leaving room for continued growth.
The Pryor team produces approximately 15 vehicles each month and services another eight to 10 vehicles for equipment additions and other work. Customers include law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency-management organizations, municipalities, utility fleets and state, local and federal agencies.
MEU transforms standard vehicles into units configured for specific jobs. Builds can include emergency lighting, sirens, camera and radar systems, consoles, computer mounts, partitions, prisoner-transport equipment, secure storage and K9 systems.
“We listen to the customer and build the vehicle around its real-world use,” Perry said. “Our goal is to provide consistency from one vehicle to the next so an agency’s people know where everything is and how it works. Uniformity, quality and efficiency equal safety.”
That attention extends to the smallest details. MEU technicians solder electrical connections and complete detailed installations designed to perform reliably under demanding conditions. Technicians train as apprentices while working toward national Emergency Vehicle Technician certification.
Serving MidAmerica and Oklahoma
The company recently completed six Ford F-150 patrol vehicles for GRDA and continues to help maintain its fleet. The work is especially meaningful to Perry because MEU operates within GRDA’s service territory at MidAmerica.
“I told GRDA that we use their power and facilities, and I wanted the opportunity to build some of their patrol vehicles,” Perry said. “Being able to complete those vehicles and continue supporting their fleet is something our team is very proud of.”
MEU also works extensively with the Cherokee Nation. Its projects include patrol vehicles for the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, prisoner-transport vehicles for juvenile justice and other justice operations, and vehicles used by emergency-management personnel. The company also equips golf carts and side-by-sides that support events across the Cherokee Nation Reservation.
As a Native American-owned business, MEU is TERO certified with the Cherokee Nation, CESO certified with the Muscogee Nation and certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The company also has relationships with the Chickasaw Nation and Choctaw Nation and works with tribal nations across Oklahoma.
Within the Park, MEU works with Premier Signs + Designs to produce vehicle graphics. The relationship allows MEU to keep more of its work at MidAmerica while offering customers coordinated vehicle design and installation.
BUILDING A LOCAL WORKFORCE
MidAmerica’s workforce-development resources were a major factor in MEU’s decision to open its Pryor location. Through MidAmerica’s Center of Excellence, the company has connected with Northeast Tech, the Pryor High School Innovation Center and other partners that introduce students to careers in vehicle technology, electrical systems and fabrication.
Career-technology students have visited the shop to shadow technicians and learn about the specialized work. MEU is also exploring opportunities to work with Innovation Center students on computer-aided designs for frequently used parts and social-media content.
The company participates in the Cherokee Nation’s on-the-job training program, which supports job placement and helps eligible employees obtain the training, tools and resources needed to succeed.
“The workforce resources and business relationships available here were a major part of choosing MidAmerica,” Perry said. “We can connect with schools, train people for this specific line of work and partner with another Park company for our vehicle graphics.”
The Pryor team brings experience from the military, skilled trades, public safety and technical education. Floor Manager Shane Britton is an Air Force veteran and former F-16 avionics technician. Technicians Mason Musich and Ethan Rogers trained at MEU’s Oklahoma City shop for nearly a year before helping launch the MidAmerica operation.
Since the Pryor facility opened, no employee has left the operation. With most of its service bays still available, MEU has room to continue adding employees, customers and capabilities.
“When officers, first responders and other professionals leave our shop, they need to know their vehicle is ready for the job,” Perry said. “That responsibility is what drives us.”