Press release

Leader of the Volvo Group’s Hagerstown Facility is Recognized by the World Trade Center Institute

2015-03-19

PRESS INFORMATION

Wade Watson, vice president and plant manager of the Volvo Group’s Hagerstown, Maryland powertrain facility, was honored as one of Maryland’s global business leaders by the World Trade Center Institute, a non-profit organization funded by area businesses and the State of Maryland to promote the state's global business community. The annual International Leadership Award was presented March 12 during a ceremony in Baltimore.

“I am honored to be recognized by the World Trade Center Institute because of Volvo Group’s success as a global leader, and our operation’s significant contribution to Maryland’s economic health,” Watson said. “Maryland’s strong support of private/public partnerships in education, its focus on continually improving the business climate and its advocacy for international firms in particular contribute to our success.”

The Hagerstown facility is responsible for powertrain development and manufacturing for Volvo Trucks, Mack Trucks and Prevost . Watson has been the plant manager of the Hagerstown facility since September 2010 and previously held various positions in manufacturing, quality and aftermarket at Volvo Group since 2001. According to WTCI, Watson was honored for his contributions to Volvo’s international mission and for Volvo’s impact on the state and the international business climate in Maryland . Watson is one of seven individuals honored with WTCI’s 2015 award. Established in 1989, WTCI has recognized leaders at global firms in Maryland each year since 1996.

“Under Wade’s leadership, Volvo’s Hagerstown facility is playing an increasingly key role in the company’s worldwide manufacturing network, said Brien Poffenberger, president and CEO of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. “He has developed innovative collaborative relationships – both private and public – at the local and state levels and has transformed his organization by focusing on employee engagement and lean manufacturing.”

The Volvo Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. The Volvo Group, which employs about 110,000 people, has production facilities in 18 countries and sells its products in more than 190 markets. In 2014, the Volvo Group’s sales amounted to about $38.2 billion. The Volvo Group is a publicly-held company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and are traded OTC in the U.S. For more information, please visit www.volvogroup.com or www.volvogroup.mobi if you are using your mobile phone.

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