GREENSBORO, N.C. –Volvo and Mack have both recalled workers to their truck plants as demand for new trucks ramps up.

Volvo recalled about 270 workers, representing about 23% of the plant’s total workforce, to its New River Valley truck plant last month and has secured some significant orders from customers, company spokesman John Mies said.

“In addition to some positive market trends, we believe the order increase is also being fueled by the very positive experience customers are having with our new EPA2010-compliant trucks -word gets around quickly in this industry,” said Mies. “We’ve also been working very hard to get people behind the wheel of demonstrator trucks to show them first-hand the quality, performance, and productivity of these vehicles.”

Volvo previously announced an order of 370 trucks from Knight Transportation and an order for 600 trucks from Penske Truck Leasing. Mies said “we’re continuing to win significant orders from new customers that until now have not had Volvo trucks in their fleets.”

Days later, Mack announced it is increasing employment at its Macungie Assembly Operations by about 125 workers beginning the first week of October.

The company said it will be recalling laid off workers and hiring new employees as well as demand for its trucks increases.

“This action will support a ramp-up in production,” said Mack spokesman John Walsh. “While the construction market remains very weak, we’ve recently experienced an uptick in order activity on the highway and refuse sides of our business. Beyond the economic and market forces at work, we’re also getting a very positive reaction to our new EPA2010-compliant trucks.”

Mack officials said the company has seen its US retail sales climb about 17% through July.