Mack consolidates production

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. — Mack Trucks has decided to move forward with its previously announced plan to consolidate production of its entire product line at its assembly facility in Macungie, Pa.

The plan involves transferring assembly of Mack highway vehicles from the plant in Virginia’s New River Valley to Macungie, where Mack’s construction and refuse trucks are assembled.

The goal, according to Mack, is to take advantage of efficiencies arising from consolidated assembly, and to create a brand-unique environment for Mack customers.

Due to the prevailing market conditions, the company expects that rather than adding personnel in Macungie, it will instead support the increased production by reducing the number of down weeks. The transfer is expected to result in an employment reduction at the New River Valley plant, which will continue to produce Volvo Trucks North America’s entire product range, but it is too early to quantify the impact, stated Mack officials.

The company expects to begin the transfer in September 2009 and complete it by the end of November 2009, during which period there will be a gradual production ramp-down in New River Valley and a corresponding ramp-up in Macungie.