Volvo Trucks to Boost Production, Recall 700 Workers at New River Valley, VA, Plant

Volvo Trucks in North America today announced that in response to increased demand, the company will ramp up production at its New River Valley, VA, plant, and recall approximately 700 employees.

“Customer response to our products – particularly the fuel-efficiency and performance of Volvo’s new near-zero emission engines – continues to be extremely positive,” said Ron Huibers, senior vice president – sales and marketing.  “Combined with the improving economy, this response is helping us continue the momentum we established with our 2010 market share increase.”

The ramp-up – which includes adding a second shift – and associated recalls will take place in several stages between May 2 and June 13.  Current employment at the plant is just under 1,500.

Volvo Trucks increased its combined U.S. and Canadian retail sales volume 46 percent in 2010, and increased its market share two points to 9.6 percent.  Through February, the company’s retail sales were up 47 percent vs. the same period last year, and its year-to-date market share was up 1.6 points, to 10.9 percent.

Volvo Trucks North America’s operations and products are guided by the company’s three core values: Quality, Safety and Environmental Care. The Volvo VN and VHD trucks are assembled in the United States at the New River Valley Plant in Dublin, Virginia, while Volvo engines for North America are assembled in Hagerstown, Maryland. Both plants are certified to ISO14001 environmental and ISO9001 quality standards.

Volvo Trucks North America is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications, aerospace components and services, and one of the world's leading producers of heavy-diesel engines (9-16 liter). The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. The Volvo Group, which employs more than 90,000 people, has production facilities in 19 countries and sells their products in more than 180 markets. Volvo Group sales for 2010 amounted to $36.7 billion. The Volvo Group is a publicly-held company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo Shares are listed on Nasdaq OMX Nordic Exchange and are traded OTC in the U.S.

 

March 30, 2011

For further information, please contact John Mies, Volvo Trucks North America, phone 336-393-4300, email john.mies@volvo.com