GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 5) — London Machinery of London, Ont., is supplying rear-discharge bodies to Volvo Trucks North America for the truck-maker’s new “Mix Smart” program, which aims to market a fast-delivery “work ready” mixer truck to construction fleets. Trucks are currently available at Volvo dealers in Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

The program will go national by September, and a variation will likely come to Canada.

The new marketing approach is due to a renewed focus by the U.S. federal government on America’s transportation infrastructure. It’s expected to generate at least a 25% increase in highway construction projects, says Volvo.

“That means highway construction companies will need additional equipment quickly as contracts are awarded,” says Frank Bio, director of truck and vocational marketing for Volvo. “This program allows fleets to get up and running right away with no time lost waiting for equipment.”

Each of the 11 Volvo dealers located in the five-state initial market area have Volvo mixers in stock, as well as an inventory of parts for both the chassis and the mixer body.

Volvo will also maintain a pool of inventory for immediate delivery should larger orders be placed. To maintain the pool, Volvo is pre-drilling chassis frames during the assembly process with London Machinery’s mounting-hole pattern. The body then simply needs to be dropped on the frame and locked in place.

Traditionally, a customer requiring such a specialized truck could wait as long as six months for delivery, Volvo says. The chassis would be ordered through the truck dealer, who would then ship it to a body builder for body installation.

The new program allows a customer to order a complete mixer directly from a Volvo dealer. The chassis is from Volvo’s MVP Series for 10.5-yard mixers. Vehicles are pre-engineered for specific applications, with a spec based on a WG64F chassis, plus Cummins ISM-335V 335-horsepower engine, Fuller 10-speed transmission, 22,800-pound front suspension and 46,000-pound Volvo T-Ride rear suspension.

The “High Performance” mixer from London Machinery features a wear-resistant 100% welded steel drum shell. Both the front and rear pedestal are constructed of Cor Ten “A” corrosion-resistant steel. Electro-hydraulic mix-discharge controls are located in the cab and at the rear of the mixer on a 15-foot quick-disconnect cable. There is an air-operated truck engine throttle control at the rear of the mixer and a hydraulic chute height control valve.

When customers buy a Mix Smart truck, they’re automatically covered by Volvo Action Service, the customer care program that provides around-the-clock product support.