In the final step of a major reorganization begun last year, Mack Trucks says it is ready to move all truck production to its Macungie, PA, plant by November. Currently the company builds its on-highway Pinnacle models at the New River Valley plant in Dublin, VA, which it has been sharing with Volvo Trucks North America.
Starting in Sept., Mack will begin moving Pinnacle production to Macungie, where it currently builds its vocational Granite and TerraPro models. Once completed, the consolidation will give both Mack and Volvo their own dedicated manufacturing facilities and “create a brand-unique environment for Mack customers,” according to a press statement released today.
The former Mack engine plant in Hagerstown, MD, will continue as a Volvo Powertrain North America facility producing 11-, 13- and 16-liter engines under both the Mack and Volvo brands. Those engines will be certified for EPA-2010 emissions beginning this fall, allowing both Mack and Volvo to offer customers 2010 models ahead of the federally mandated Jan. 1, 2010 switch to ultra-clean diesels.
Mack said it will not need to add employees at Macungie to handle the Pinnacle “due to prevailing market conditions.” Instead it plans to reduce scheduled downtime at the plant. Workforce cutbacks are expected at New River Valley, “but it is too early to quantify the impact,” according to the company’s press release.
