The comprehensive project revitalized the facility’s infrastructure, equipment, systems and processes to create a modernized Lean Manufacturing environment delivering even greater production quality, safety and efficiency.
“Mack’s Lehigh Valley Operations has built high-quality heavy-duty trucks that our customers depend on for 45 years,” said Martin Weissburg, president of Mack Trucks. “This investment in the plant, our people and new processes allows us to continue delivering on Mack’s legendary durability through integrated, modern manufacturing.”
Thousands of upgrades were made to the plant’s manufacturing operations, including a 300,000 square-foot expansion to improve material handling and flow; installation of new equipment and tooling; implementation of new manufacturing IT systems; and construction of a new audit building equipped with stalls and CNG test pads for quality checks on completed vehicles.
The site also added a new 20,000 square-foot building for a Customer Adaptation Center and to support the Mack® LR Electric model that will be commercialized in 2021.
A major component of the project was the insourcing of complete chassis assembly to better manage and streamline the manufacturing process.
The entire facility was given a fresh coat of paint and new, efficient lighting, offering customers and employees an enhanced experience. LVO added a new lobby and visitor welcome center, a refreshed Mack Shop merchandise store, modernized cafeteria and office spaces, as well as doubled the amount of restrooms. Externally, the parking capacity was expanded and a new logistics building was added to the campus.
Adopting Lean Manufacturing principles supported the LVO leadership’s goals of increased productivity and consistent product quality and safety for the entire team in all areas of the facility.
Mack Trucks’ Lehigh Valley Operations Completes Major Renovation
“LVO has been completely transformed compared to the day I arrived in 2016,” said Rickard Lundberg, who as vice president and general manager of LVO led the project. “The physical space has been renovated to allow the openness for employees to learn together and embrace our Lean Manufacturing approach. Without the great people who are part of the LVO team, we could not have created this culture, this spirit of Mack Trucks that is reflected in each vehicle that rolls off the assembly line.”
Mack’s Lehigh Valley Operations produced its first trucks in 1975. Today, the one million square-foot facility assembles all heavy-duty Mack® trucks built for the North American market and export.
NOTE TO EDITORS: These photos can be viewed and downloaded at www.mackmediabank.com.
Mack Trucks’ Lehigh Valley Operations Completes Major Renovation
Dedicated to durability, reliability and meeting the needs of customers, Mack Trucks has provided purpose-built transportation solutions for more than a century. Today, Mack is one of North America’s largest producers of heavy-duty trucks, and Mack® trucks are sold and serviced through an extensive distribution network in more than 45 countries. Mack trucks, diesel engines and transmissions sold in North America are assembled in the United States. Mack manufacturing locations are certified to the internationally recognized ISO 9001 standard for quality, ISO 14001 standard for environmental management systems and OHSAS 18001 standard for health and safety management systems. Mack is also a proud sponsor of Share the Road, an American Trucking Associations public information campaign aimed at enhancing the safety of our nation's roadways.
Mack Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, which is driving prosperity through transport solutions by offering trucks, buses, construction equipment, power solutions for marine and industrial applications, financing and services that increase customer uptime and productivity. Founded in 1927, the Volvo Group is committed to shaping the future landscape of sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions. The Volvo Group is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, employs 104,000 people and serves customers in more than 190 markets. In 2019, net sales amounted to about $45.7 billion. Volvo shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. For more information, please visit www.volvogroup.com.
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