GAFFNEY, S.C. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) rolled its 100,000th chassis off its assembly line here during a celebration on October 23.
According to FCCC, the milestone is indicative of its position as market leader in both diesel walk-in van and motor-home chassis. The company's plant also assembles Sprinter commercial vans, which are sold by Freightliner and Dodge dealers.
The Gaffney plant was purchased from Oshkosh Truck Corp. in 1995 and the 100,000 vehicles represents production since Freightliner took over.
"In 1995," noted FCCC president Jack Conlan, "we produced about 3,800 chassis-so it is remarkable the growth we have accomplished in eight years."
FCCC also announced that 2004-model Mercedes-Benz MBE900 diesel engines will be standard on its MT-45 SR walk-in van chassis beginning in the first quarter of next year.
"The MBE900 offers excellent performance, fuel economy, weight savings, quiet operation and reliability," said Joe Snyder, product manager-commercial chassis.
The 4.3-liter, four-cylinder diesel in the MT-45 SR chassis will provide 170 hp and 420 lb./ft. of torque. According to FCCC, it will use "a simple form of exhaust gas recirculation to achieve the 2004 emissions standards."
