Mack Trucks is gearing up for increased demand for its MD series and MD Electric trucks by investing $14.5 million in the expansion of its Roanoke Valley Operations (RVO) manufacturing facility in Virginia.
“Mack is committed to making the industrial and product investments we need to be a North American market leader,” said Stephen Roy, global president of Mack Trucks. “The expansion of the RVO plant will help us grow in a strategic market segment and support our sustainability goals.”
The announcement was made by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin during an event attended by state and local officials at RVO. To support the project, Youngkin approved a $255,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund, resulting in an anticipated creation of 51 jobs. Roanoke County offered incentives totaling $842,420.
Mack’s investment will be allocated to equipment, tooling, and a substantial 72,000 square-foot building expansion, expanding the facility to a total of 352,000 square feet. Construction is set to commence in April, with the expansion expected to conclude in Q4 2025. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership collaborated with Roanoke County Economic Development and the Roanoke Regional Partnership to secure the project.
The Virginia Jobs Investment Program will facilitate employee training activities, and Mack stands to benefit from the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit for new full-time jobs generated by the project.
“Customer demand for the Mack MD and MD Electric continues to grow beyond our expectations,” Roy said. “This investment and expansion will well-position Mack Trucks for the future.”
RVO, where all Mack medium-duty models are produced, saw an increased need for space due to the introduction of the diesel-powered Mack MD Series in 2020 and the Mack MD Electric in March 2023. The MD and MD Electric models, available in Class 6 and Class 7 ratings, have respective Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) of 25,995 pounds and 33,000 pounds. Both models are exempt from the 12 percent Federal Excise Tax (FET). Mack Trucks’ expansion signals a proactive response to the growing demand for their innovative and environmentally friendly truck models.
Source: Commercial Carrier Journal
